MCCOMB, Miss. (Feb. 7, 2021) – The Wyoming women's tennis team got back to its winning ways after a two-week hiatus Sunday as the Cowgirls had a solid day on the courts in their 6-1 victory over West Alabama down in McComb, Miss.
"I thought we came out with a lot of energy today, which helped a lot during doubles play," said Head Coach Dean Clower.
"We didn't necessarily play well, but we are starting to play our style of tennis. West Alabama is a very good team and I was pleased with how we adapted to situations during the match."
Wyoming (3-2) opened the day by sweeping the three doubles matches to earn the doubles point. Lucia Malinak and Maria Oreshkina defeated UWA's Sarah Manseri and Heden Ly, 6-4 at the No. 1 spot. At both No. 2 and 3 doubles, the duos of Ana Fernandez and Sophie Zehender and Mihaela Kaftanova and Ida Krause both won 6-2. With the win, Fernandez and Zehender move to a perfect 4-0 in doubles play so far in 2021.
The Cowgirls also had a solid day during singles play Sunday, winning 5-of-6 matches on the day. Zehender won in straight sets, 6-3 and 6-3 over the Tigers' Manseri at the No. 1 singles spot. Zehender is now 2-1 on the year at the No. 1 spot for UW.
At No. 2, Maria Oreshkina also won in straight sets, defeating Haina Franco, 7-5 and 6-4. At No. 3, Noesjka Brink picked up her second win on the year, defeating UWA's Heden Ly in a tough three-setter, winning 6-4, 5-7 and 6-2. Fernandez won at the No. 4 spot, 6-2 and 6-4 over Thea Yang. While at the sixth-position, Ida Krause finished the day with a 6-3 and 6-4 victory over Hardjia Vidnere.
With the win, the Cowgirls move to 3-0 in neutral site matches so far on the young season. Next up, UW will have three consecutive road matches before finally hosting its home opener March 5. Wyoming will travel to face Colorado Saturday, Feb. 13.
Wyoming vs. West Alabama
2/7/2021 at McComb, Miss.
Wyoming 6, West Alabama 1
Doubles competition
1. Lucia Malinak/Maria Oreshkina (WYO) def. Manseri/Ly (UWA) 6-4
2. Ana Fernandez/Sophie Zehender (WYO) def. Franco/Yang (UWA) 6-2
3. Mihaela Kaftanova/Ida Krause (WYO) def. Arevalo/Hukasian (UWA) 6-2
Singles competition
1. Zehender (WYO) def. Manseri (UWA) 6-3, 6-3
2. Oreshkina (WYO) def. Franco (UWA) 7-5, 6-4
3. Brink (WYO) def. Ly (UWA) 6-4, 5-7, 6-2
4. Fernandez (WYO) def. Yang (UWA) 6-2, 6-4
5. Arevalo (UWA) def. Cormier (WYO) 6-7, 6-3, 10-7
6. Krause (WYO) def. Vidnere (UWA) 6-3, 6-4
-WYO-
