Los Angeles, CA – In a thrilling showdown under the lights at the McKinnon Family Tennis Center, the Occidental women's tennis team secured a commanding 7-2 triumph over Linfield University.

The doubles matches set the tone for the evening, with our formidable duos swiftly taking control and giving the Tigers a 2-1 lead heading into singles.  Kristina Lee and Elina Shalaev orchestrated a stellar performance, dispatching their opponents with a solid 8-4 victory at the number one position.  Also claiming an 8-4 win, Matilde Depery and Alexis Matabuena showed exceptional teamwork at the number two position.

As the competition transitioned to singles, the Tigers continued to shine.  Lee exhibited skill and sheer determination, claiming a convincing 6-0, 7-6 (7-2) victory at the top position.  Shalaev continued to highlight how resilient and motivated the Tigers can be, navigating past her opponent with a gritty 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 win.  Not to be outdone, Matabuena delivered a standout performance, clinching a hard-fought 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 6-4 win in a thrilling three-set encounter.

The singles lineup also witnessed strong performances from the rest of the team.  Chun rallied from a set down to emerge victorious in a thrilling third-set super tiebreaker with set scores of  4-6, 7-5, 1(10)-[4].  Malone was flawless at the sixth position, knocking down her opponent 6-0, 6-0.

The momentum surged for the Tigers as Malone swiftly secured her victory, followed by Lee and Shalaev, whose wins propelled Oxy closer to the decisive moment.  The overall team win arrived as Matabuena sealed the deal with her hard-fought win in the final match of the day.  The results from this match mark Oxy's fourth consecutive win, reflecting the team's exceptional form and resilience on the court.

 

Occidental 7

Linfield 2

March 27, 2024

 

Doubles: 

1. Kristina Lee/Elina Shalaev (OXY) def. S. Forester/E. Tuttle (LU) 8-4

2. Matilde Depery/Alexis Matabuena (OXY) def. K. Canubida/A. Gardner (LU) 8-4

3. S. Baltz/L. Pointi (LU) def. Julia Chun/Mia Malone (OXY) 8-6

 

Singles:

1. Kristina Lee (OXY) def. S. Forester (LU) 6-0, 7-6 (7-2)

2. Elina Shalaev (OXY) def. E. Tuttle (LU) 7-6 (7-3), 6-2

3. Alexis Matabuena (OXY) def. K. Canubida (LU) 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 6-4

4. Julia Chun (OXY) def. A. Gardner (LU) 4-6, 7-5, 1(10)-[4]

5. S. Baltz (LU) def. Matilde Depery (OXY) 6-2, 6-3

6. Mia Malone (OXY) def. L. Pointi (LU) 6-0, 6-0