SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara women's tennis began the 2017 dual match season with a 5-2 victory over Sonoma State at Degheri Tennis Center on Saturday afternoon. The Broncos clinched the doubles point and then went on to win four of the six singles matches.
"Nice to get a win in the first match of the year," head coach Ben Cabell said. "It was what we expected, Sonoma State played well and we got pushed a little bit. We were a little rusty in some spots but that's to be expected in the first match. I think we competed well and played well but we definitely have some things to improve on before starting our Division I schedule."
The Broncos claimed the doubles point thanks to wins from freshman Caitlyn Frankel and sophomore Elizabeth Stephens on court three and senior Nabila Farah and junior Zeina El Tawil on court two. Frankel and Stephens got the Broncos off to a good start, winning 6-0. Farah and El Tawil then battle their way to a 6-4 win to clinch the point.
"I think we're still learning with our doubles lineups," Cabell said. "Our No. 3 team played especially well, Caitlyn (Frankel) and Elizabeth did a great job. I think we did a good job and I learned some things. I think we're going to continue to experiment for the first part of the season."
The Broncos made quick work in three singles matches to secure the victory. Frankel continued her strong play with a 6-2, 6-0 win over Karlee Budge on court five. Farah claimed her victory shortly after Frankel on court three at 6-1, 6-2. El Tawil's 6-1, 6-2 victory on court four was the clincher for the Broncos. With a 6-1, 6-4 win on court two, sophomore Madison Clarke extended her winning streak to five matches dating back to the fall.
Santa Clara returns to Degheri Tennis Center on Friday, Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. PT against San Jose State.
SCU 5, Sonoma State 2
Jan. 28, 2017 | Degheri Tennis Center (Santa Clara, Calif.)
DOUBLES
(1) Silva/Clarke (SCU) vs. Warren/Fazekas (SSU) – 6-5
(2) Farah/El Tawil (SCU) def. DeTurk/Long (SSU) – 6-4
(3) Frankel/Stephens (SCU) def. Bukich/Budge (SSU) – 6-0
SCU wins doubles point.
Order of finish: 3, 2*
SINGLES
(1) Jensyn Warren (SSU) def. Daniella Silva (SCU) – 3-6, 6-2, 1-0 (14-12)
(2) Madison Clarke (SCU) def. Amanda Zuidema (SSU) – 6-1, 6-4
(3) Nabila Farah (SCU) Kaitlyn Haithcock (SSU) – 6-1, 6-2
(4) Zeina El Tawil (SCU) Jenna DeTurk (SSU) – 6-1, 6-2
(5) Caitlyn Frankel (SCU) def. Karlee Budge (SSU) – 6-2, 6-0
(6) Hillary Fazekas (SSU) def. Giannina Ong (SCU) – 7-6, 6-7, 1-0 (10-7)
Order of finish: 5, 3, 4*, 2, 1, 6
* - clinched victory
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