The UCLA women’s tennis team, ranked tenth nationally, defeated Michigan State 4-1 at the MSU Indoor Tennis Center on March 22. Despite losing the doubles point early in the match, UCLA secured four straight-set singles victories to clinch the win.
This result is significant as it marks a strong comeback for UCLA after dropping the initial doubles point. The Bruins improved their season record to 9-5 overall and 3-3 in Big Ten play, while Michigan State fell to an even 8-8 record and stands at 1-5 in conference matches.
Mayu Crossley and Anne-Christine Lutkemeyer each contributed two wins for UCLA. In doubles, Crossley and Lutkemeyer defeated Oriana Parkins-Godwin and Issey Purser of Michigan State with a score of 6-2 on Court 2. However, Michigan State responded by winning the next two doubles matches: Amara Brahmbhatt and Hanna Tsitavets beat Kayla Chung and Ahmani Guichard on Court 3 (6-3), while Ellie Blackford and Matilde Morais overcame Olivia Center and Kate Fakih (6-3) on Court 1 to secure the opening point for the Spartans.
In singles play, UCLA won all six first sets. Lutkemeyer was first to finish, defeating Blackford decisively (6-2, 6-1) on Court 1. Crossley followed with a victory over Brahmbhatt (6-2, 6-4) on Court 2. Bianca Fernandez added another point for UCLA by beating Tsitavets (6-0, 6-3) on Court 4. The deciding match came from Center, who bested Purser (6-3, 6-4) on Court 6.
Looking ahead, UCLA will continue its road schedule with a match against crosstown rival USC on Friday, March 27 at David X. Marks Tennis Stadium.
