Women’s tennis keeps new Big Sky Conference streak rolling

Patricia Carpenter

In their third conference game of the season, the Sacramento State women’s tennis team was able to defeat Portland State, 5-2, as they split their road matches this weekend in Washington.

The women have remained undefeated in Big Sky Conference action and are currently sitting in first place above the University of Montana (2-0, Big Sky).

Junior captain Olivia Boija remained winless in doubles and singles today as the rest of the women were able to win at least one of their matches. Boija was paired with Jennifer Ong in position No. 1 where they hold a 1-5 record in that spot.

The juniors were defeated in a close set (4-6) at the hands of Portland State’s Siena Peri and Dane Vorster.

Ana Loaiza-Esquivias and Daria Savchenko were the first to win in doubles, where they retired Kelsey Fray and Ayaka Terakawa, 6-1, in position No. 3.

The Vikings pulled out their first point after the Hornets succumbed to them in a tight set in position No. 2. Deimante Bulatovaite and Alina Soltanici lost 4-6, putting the women at an 0-1 disadvantage.

However, Sac State came back in singles, wiping out its opponents to secure the four point advantage and victory. The order of finish for singles was No. 5, 1, 2 and 3. Boija’s match at No. 4 was the fifth to conclude.

Sabina-Elena Preda dropped Boija in straight sets (6-2, 7-5) to give the Vikings their final point. Boija holds a 3-6 record in No. 4 singles.

Savchenko returned to singles No. 6 and earned the only clean sweep in singles, downing Alexa McDonald 6-0, 6-0. She collected the final point against Portland State. The junior is the only Hornet who is undefeated in singles play (4-0).

Up next, Sac State (4-5) will return to Rio Del Oro Racquet Club on Friday, Feb. 27 to compete against No. 40 ranked Long Beach State at 1 p.m.