ASU continues home win streak against UofA

TEMPE, Ariz. – No. 13 Arizona State women’s tennis team continued its 10-match home winning streak against the Arizona Wildcats Saturday afternoon, defeating the Wildcats under the hot Arizona sun at the Whiteman Tennis Center. With the win, the Sun Devils improved to 11-4 overall and 3-2 in Big 12 play, holding a strong position as the conference tournament becomes closer.

ASU struggles with doubles 

The bottom court featured a matchup with the double pair of junior Sara Svetac and senior Vivian Ovrootsky taking on the UofA’s duo of Zoya Chulak and Ciara Moore. ASU came out of the gates struggling, swinging at far balls and ultimately losing 6-1, giving UofA an early start. 

On court three, Sun Devils’ junior Emilija Tverijonaite and freshman Zlata Bartanusz extended a huge momentum, keeping the match close, but couldn’t bring it all the way home, giving UofA a 6-1, 6–4 win and the doubles match point. UofA’s method of aggressive play at the net while staying focused brought home the point, and they had lots of fun doing it. The second match went unfinished.  

No pity for the kitty

With UofA holding an early lead, ASU continued to give it their all in singles, needing 4 points to secure the victory. The Sun Devils strive in singles matches, bringing the rest of their strength and energy to finish out the day. 

Ovrootsky did not play too hot in doubles, but she was on fire in singles. She was active, aggressive, and in control throughout, mixing up lobs and passes to frustrate her opponent. She finished fourth in her second match to secure ASU another point to be head-to-head with UofA.

UofA, now 10-8 overall and 2-3 in conference, didn’t go down quietly. The Wildcats earned a singles point on courts six and the doubles point. They kept fighting in each match but just couldn’t bring it home in the end.

The Sun Devils capitalized on being focused, on low balls, and on not thinking twice. 

With the pressure on the Sun Devils to deliver, and the crowd very supportive on a Saturday afternoon, sophomore Aiya Nupbay came up with the clutch 2-1 win, sealing the victory for the Sun Devils, with the final score 4-2.

Arizona State will look to earn its fourth conference victory of the season when it plays at West Virginia on March 19 at 2 p.m. MST.