The UCLA women’s tennis team defeated Northwestern 4-1 in a Big Ten Conference match at Combe Tennis Center on April 12. The victory completed a road sweep for the Bruins, who had previously beaten Illinois.
This win is significant as it improves UCLA’s record to 13-6 overall and 7-4 in conference play, strengthening their position ahead of the regular season’s final matches. Northwestern now holds a record of 12-10 overall and 5-6 in the conference.
Northwestern started strong by winning the doubles point, with Erica Jessel and Margot Phantala defeating Olivia Center and Kate Fakih, while Neena Feldman and Marelie Raath secured another doubles win over Mayu Crossley and Anne-Christine Lutkemeyer. However, UCLA responded by taking five singles first sets. Mayu Crossley won her eighth consecutive straight-set singles match, beating Feldman decisively. Anne-Christine Lutkemeyer added her eighth ranked victory of the season by overcoming Phanthala on Court 1. Bianca Fernandez also contributed with a strong performance against Mika Dagan Fruchtman.
Ahmani Guichard clinched the fourth point for UCLA after coming back from losing the first set to defeat Jessel on Court 5. This was Guichard’s second clincher of the season and her second in four matches.
The Bruins will return home to conclude their regular season against Indiana on April 17 at Los Angeles Tennis Center, followed by Purdue on April 18.
