April 18, 2008
MORAGA, Calif. - The Santa Clara women's tennis team faced a hard-fought and intense loss to top-seeded Pepperdine Friday morning in the first day of the 2008 West Coast Conference Championships. The Waves posted a 4-1 win over the Broncos.
"We were playing the top-seeded team and, although we did not win, I am very pleased with the way the team played today," said head coach Ben Cabell. "The intensity and great effort of today's match has given us good momentum for the rest of the weekend."
Pepperdine entered singles play with a 1-0 advantage after winning the crucial doubles point. Though the Waves won with scores of 8-2 and 8-6 at second and third doubles, respectively, eyes were on the No. 1 doubles match as the Broncos rallied back to tie the No. 8 pair of Sylvia Kosakowski and Bianca Dulgheru. SCU's top duo of Stephanie Galainena and Ashley Pane went head-to-head against the nationally ranked twosome and had a score of 6-6 when doubles action was called.
"It is a big deal for our athletes," said Cabell about the first doubles match. "To tie the No. 8 team in the nation is huge for us."
The Waves went on to take three singles matches to earn the win, but Carmen Pham prevented the sweep with a straight-set victory at the No. 4 spot. Pham defeated Anete Bandere (6-3, 6-2) to make the dual match score, 3-1.
"Carmen had a very good win," said Cabell. "Pepperdine is ranked No. 18 in the nation and to be able to beat their number four player is great."
SCU continues action, playing in the consolation bracket, on Saturday, April 19 against the Pilots of Portland. First serve is scheduled for 9 a.m. on the campus of Saint Mary's College.
