The UCLA women’s tennis team lost 4-2 to the University of Southern California in a Big Ten Conference match held on March 27 at David X. Marks Tennis Stadium.
This match was significant as it featured two nationally ranked teams, with UCLA entering the contest ranked No. 17 and USC at No. 14. The result affects both teams’ standings within the conference and could impact their postseason prospects.
UCLA started strong by winning the doubles point, with Olivia Center and Kate Fakih defeating Lily Fairclough and Krisha Mahendran 6-0 on the top court. Mayu Crossley paired with Anne-Christine Lutkemeyer to secure another doubles win for the Bruins, giving them an early advantage.
In singles play, Crossley continued her success by beating Immi Haddad in straight sets, but USC responded by taking four of the remaining singles matches. Eugenia Zozaya clinched victory for USC after coming back from a set down against Fakih. Other wins for USC came from Dani Borruel, Emma Charney, and Jana Hossam.
The final scores in singles included Hossam defeating Lutkemeyer and Charney overcoming Bianca Fernandez after dropping the first set. One singles match between Mahendran and Ahmani Guichard remained unfinished when play concluded.
Looking ahead, UCLA will try to recover when they host Oregon at Los Angeles Tennis Center on April 3.
