Women’s Tennis Closes Non-Conference with 6-1 Win Over StetsonWomen’s Tennis Closes Non-Conference with 6-1 Win Over Stetson

Women’s Tennis Closes Non-Conference with 6-1 Win Over Stetson

by Aiden Kocol
Opens in a new window Box Score (PDF)

ORLANDO – UCF women’s tennis ended its non-conference slate in style Sunday afternoon, downing the Stetson Hatters 6-1 at USTA National Campus.

The Knights improve to 7-1 on the season, extending their home winning streak to 16 matches as they head into Big 12 play. The victory also marks the team’s sixth win over an in-state opponent this year, as they remain a perfect 6-0 against Florida competition.

"We've had a nice non-conference season, but it's 0-0 from here starting Big 12. We know everyone is going to be gunning for us."

Head Coach Bryan Koniecko

The No. 61 duo of Olivia Berlger and Lauren Seye started things strong for the Black and Gold, disposing of Astigarraga Harper and Dana Baidaulet in a clean 6-0 fashion on court two. 

Meanwhile, on the top court, Marina Gatell and Jantje Tilbuerger were locked in a tight battle with Katia Tuliakova and Anastasija Adeikyte, edging ahead 6-5 in a closely contested set. With the point still hanging in the balance, a new pairing delivered the decisive blow. On court three, Jade Psonka and Vladislava Andreevskaya secured the doubles advantage for the Knights with a composed 6-4 victory over Yuki Mizuguchi and Clelia Lombardi.

Andreevskaya wasted no time translating her dominance into singles action, swiftly securing the point for the Knights on court four, in a double bagel fashion, 6-0, 6-0. Her doubles partner, Psonka, followed suit soon after, taking care of business on court six with a steady 6-2, 6-2 win to extend the lead, 3-0.

Although the Hatters managed to steal a point back on court five, senior captain Tilbuerger quickly regained control, topping Astigarraga Harper 6-2, 6-3 on court two. With only two courts still in action, attention shifted to courts three and one, where Gatell and Bergler were locked in intense second sets.

After a commanding 6-2 win in the opening set, Gatell found herself tied at 5-5 in the second against Stetson’s Anastasija Adeikyte, who refused to let the match slip away easily. Adeikyte battled to keep the set within reach, but Gatell ultimately regained control, closing it out 7-5 to secure the victory.

But it was Bergler who had the final say for the Knights. Playing just her second career match on Court One, the sophomore battled to a gritty 7-5 first-set win. The second set proved just as challenging, as Katia Tuliakova evened it at six apiece to force a tiebreak. Unfazed, Bergler took control in the breaker, delivering a decisive 7-3 finish to clinch the match and secure the Knights’ final non-conference victory, 6-1.

UP NEXT
The Knights will open Big 12 play at home with a pair of matches this week, beginning Thursday, Feb. 26, against the No. 47 BYU Cougars at 6 PM. They will then host the Utah Utes on Saturday, Feb. 28, at noon.

SINGLES RESULTS

  1. Olivia Bergler (UCF) def. Katia Tuliakova (STET) 7-5, 7-6 (7-3)
  2. Jantje Tilbuerger (UCF) def. Astigarraga Harper (STET) 6-2, 6-3
  3. Marina Gatell (UCF) def. Anastasija Adeikyte (STET) 6-2, 7-5
  4. V. Andreevskaya (UCF) def. Dana Baidaulet (STET) 6-0, 6-0
  5. Yuki Mizuguchi (STET) def. Lauren Seye (UCF) 6-2, 6-3
  6. Jade Psnoka (UCF) def. Clelia Lombardi (STET) 6-2, 6-2

DOUBLES RESULTS

  1. Jantje Tilbuerger/Marina Gatell (UCF) vs. Katia Tuliakova/Anastasija Adeikyte (STET) 6-5, unfinished
  2. #61 Lauren Seye/Olivia Bergler (UCF) def. Astigarraga Harper/Dana Baidaulet (STET) 6-0
  3. Jade Psnoka/V. Andreevskaya (UCF) def. Yuki Mizuguchi/Clelia Lombardi (STET) 6-4