Cougars bring home two wins on day one of Hawai'i invitational

HONOLULU – Leah Heimuli grabs two wins for BYU women's tennis on the first day of the Hawaii Invitational, despite wind and rain delays.

“Yesterday was a true test of mental toughness,” BYU head coach Holly Parkinson Hasler said. “We had wind and rain the entire day, and we're grateful to get a few matches in. Keeping our fingers crossed for some sunshine and a full day of matches next.”

Heimuli was a standout on the first day of the tournament, starting off with a decisive win against Louisville’s Diana Wong 6-3, 6-2. Heimuli was also part of the doubles team that defeated Louisville’s Maia Haumeller and Rhea Verma 6-2, alongside senior Kate Cusick Truman.

Emma Jewell and Emilee Astle also competed in a hard-fought doubles match but fell to Louisville’s Diana Wong and Jelena Vuljanic 7-6 (7-1). Madeline Almeida Wanlass and Helen Jiao also played a Louisville duo but fell to Andrea Di Palma and Dina Chaika 6-2.

Almeida Wanlass was able to complete her singles match in the tough conditions against Hawaii’s Michelle Pits, losing 1-6, 1-6. Jiao fell to Hawaii’s Madison Kim 1-6, 3-6, and Jewell lost to Louisville’s Andrea Di Palma 2-6, 0-6.

Cusick Truman and Astle were unable to compete in their singles matches on day one because of inclement weather. Morgan Hall Curtis won the first set of her match against Washington State’s Maddie Egan 5-3, but the match was stopped halfway through and will be finished on the second day of tournament play.

The Cougars continue competing in the Hawaii Invitational through Saturday weather permitting.