Photo by samsphotoservices.com

Los Angeles, CA – At home on Saturday the Oxy Women defeated UC Santa Cruz in a tense duel that wasn't decided until the very last third-set tiebreaker. That deciding tiebreaker was won by senior and co-captain Katie Wolber. 

Her match stretched out the longest with endless back-and-forth rallies. One such rally lasted over five minutes. After winning the first set 6-2, losing the second 2-6, she found herself in a tiebreaker at 6-6 in the third. Unbeknownst to Wolber, the Tigers were tied overall 4-4 with the Banana Slugs. After winning the tiebreaker 6-3, the Oxy women rushed the court to congratulate Wolber on her victory, which had also won them the duel.

Saturday saw two other three-set matches. Alexis Matabuena at #3 singles played strategic and fast-paced tennis. She battled for every point, creating angles and hitting excellent volleys at the net. She narrowly lost 7-5 in the third set. Andei Fukushige had a big win at #1 singles. After losing the first set 7-5 she regrouped and blasted through her match, winning the remaining sets 6-0, 6-2.

Mathilde Depery at #4 also had a close battle. She played smart, consistent tennis and narrowly lost in a second set tiebreaker. At #2, Sarah Fleming won her match 6-2, 6-0, not giving up any easy points and hitting several aces on her serve.

In doubles play, the Tigers also secured some big wins. At #2, the pairing of Dana Edson and Alexis Matabuena strung together smart points and finished them with aggressive plays at the net. They won 8-6. Emma Silber and Xavi Campbell had a smooth victory at #3, winning 8-2.

Next Match: The Tigers take on Whitworth at home on Wednesday, March 30, at 3:00 PM.