The UCLA women’s tennis team lost a close Big Ten Conference match against Michigan on March 21, with the final score 4-3 at Varsity Tennis Stadium in Ann Arbor.
This result is significant as it marks another competitive outing for the No. 10-ranked Bruins, who now hold an 8-5 overall record and are 2-3 in conference play. The match was decided by a three-set contest on Court 5, where Emily Sartz-Lunde of Michigan secured the win that clinched victory for the Wolverines.
UCLA started strong by winning the doubles point with victories on Courts 2 and 3. Anne-Christine Lutkemeyer and Mayu Crossley defeated Laura Rahnel and Reese Miller of Michigan, while Ahmani Guichard and Kayla Chung overcame Piper Charney and Sartz-Lunde in a tiebreaker. In singles play, Crossley continued her form by beating Lily Jones in straight sets, giving UCLA an early lead.
Michigan responded with wins on Courts 3 and 6 to tie the match at two points each. Bianca Fernandez put UCLA ahead again after a three-set win over Jessica Bernales on Court 4. However, Michigan’s Charney defeated Lutkemeyer in another three-set battle to level the score at three-all. The deciding match came down to Court 5, where Guichard narrowly lost to Sartz-Lunde.
The Bruins will look to recover quickly as they face Michigan State next. The upcoming match is scheduled for Sunday morning at the MSU Indoor Tennis Center.
