Los Angeles, CA —  The Occidental women's tennis team opened their spring season with a home match against Linfield College Wednesday afternoon.  This was the first match since the ITA Fall Regionals in October, as well as the first match under the tutelage of their new head coach, Tim Gray.

Competing in the doubles section were Sarah Fleming/Andei Fukushige, Xavi Campbell/Dana Edson, and Katie Wolber/Alexis Matabuena.  Although the Tigers fell to the Linfield pairs, there were many moments of brilliance, from far-reaching saves to powerful serves that found the sweet spot.  Fleming and Fukushige found a good rhythm, challenging their opponents Tessa Kern and Lexi Matsunaga, ending in 8-7.

In the singles section, the Tigers were led by junior Fukushige, junior Fleming, and senior Campbell, who each defeated their opponent.  

Coach Gray expressed, "Given how difficult the last two years have been for our student-athletes, I am really happy with how our team fought until the very end.  It would have been very easy to pack it in after losing all three doubles matches and going down 3-0.  But to their credit they showed great determination.  I'm excited to see where we go from here."

Next Match: The Tigers compete next at Hope International this Saturday, February 5 at 12 PM.