Los Angeles, CA – In a highly anticipated tennis showdown, Occidental's women's tennis team opened SCIAC play against nationally ranked No. 3 Pomona-Pitzer last Saturday.  With Pomona-Pitzer boasting the high national ranking, the Tigers knew they were in for a formidable challenge.

The doubles matches set the tone for the day with Pomona-Pitzer displaying their dominance early on.  Despite the valiant efforts from Kristina Lee and Elina Shalaev, they were unable to overcome the strong pairing of their opponents, falling 8-4.  The trend continued as the Sagehens secured victories in the remaining doubles matches.

Oxy trailed 3-0 heading into singles play, but the Tigers fought hard to regain momentum.  However, Pomona-Pitzer's lineup proved to be a tough obstacle to overcome.  Despite a commendable effort from Oxy, PP clinched wins in five out of the six singles matchups.

Notable highlights for the Tigers included a standout performance by senior Mathilde Depery, who displayed her skill and determination with a commanding win at the number six singles position, finishing with a score of 6-4, 6-2.  Additionally, first year Lee battled fiercely in a tight match at number one singles, but ultimately fell 7-5, 6-4.

The team competes tomorrow at noon against Vassar College at the McKinnon Family Tennis Center.

 

Pomona-Pitzer 8

Occidental 1

2/24/24

 

Doubles:

1. N. Kanefu/A. Zhou (PPC) def. K. Lee/E. Shalaev (OXY) 8-4

2. S. Moore-Thomson/A. Coleman (PPC) def. M. Depery/A. Matabuena (OXY) 8-2

3. M. Markey/A. Poor (PPC) def. S. Kombo/M. Malone (OXY) 8-0

 

Singles:

1. N. Kanefu (PPC) def. K. Lee (OXY) 7-5, 6-4

2. L. Rha (PPC) def. E. Shalaev (OXY) 6-2, 6-1

3. M. Markey (PPC) def. S. Kombo (OXY) 7-5, 6-2

4. A. Poor (PPC) def. A. Matabuena (OXY) 6-1, 6-0

5. S. Moore-Thomson (PPC) def. J. Chun (OXY) 6-1, 6-0

6. M. Depery (OXY) def. W. Lindholm (PPC) 6-4, 6-2