Gonzaga defeats BYU in WCC Tournament

CLAREMONT, Calif. — The BYU women’s tennis team lost 2-4 to Gonzaga in the first round of the West Coast Conference Tournament, Thursday.

“We came out on fire just like we needed to and had many chances to close out the doubles today,” BYU head coach Holly Parkinson Hasler said. “Singles was a battle, especially in the heat, and Gonzaga was just too good today.  Overall we battled many challenges on and off the court this year, and I’m proud of the girls for pushing past their limits on many occasions, and coming together as a team. We have so much room for improvement and I’m excited to see what next year will bring.”

Samantha Smith claimed the Cougars’ only point in No. 6 singles when she defeated Kate Ketels 6-2, 6-2.

On Courts 1 and 3, BYU and Gonzaga split matches with the Zags’ Sophie Whittle and Graciela Rosas winning 6-4 over Kate Cusick and Anastasia Abramyan on Court 1, and the Cougars’ Taylah Beckman and Samantha Smith claiming a 6-4 victory over Domonique Garley and Komer in No. 3 doubles. To win the first point up for grabs, the Zags’ Harana Tsrutua and Ketels won a close 6-6 (7-3) match against Polina Malykh and Madeline Almeida.

Gonzaga won three matches in singles to take the match. BYU’s Cusick lost 1-6, 0-6 to Whittle in No. 1 singles. The Cougars’ Beckman was defeated by Tsuruta 4-6, 0-6 at the No. 5 position, while BYU’s Almeida lost 1-6, 4-6 in No. 4 singles.

Gonzaga will advance to the next round of the WCC Tournament and will face No. 2 San Diego.