Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Saint Mary's
Bulldog Sweep in Home Opener
2/21/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Feb. 21, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - Senior Bruna Paes capped off the Fresno State's first sweep of the season with a compelling three-set win, in the Bulldogs' 7-0 victory over Saint Mary's Saturday.
The match was Paes' first appearance since Nov. 9, giving her extra motivation.
"I was a little nervous," she said. "But I came really early and I felt well prepared."
Paes and her opponent, Marah Calvo, battled back and forth until they were the only match remaining to complete a Bulldog sweep in the home opener. With all eyes on her, Paes had her entire team along side her court cheering her on.
After dropping the first set, Paes pulled out the next two sets for a 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 victory and the final touches of a Bulldog sweep.
"My focus and the energy from my teammates really helped me," Paes said.
The win-clinching match came on Court 3 as junior Renata Kucerkova defeated Claire Soper 7-5, 6-3.
"I was glad to finally play a home match," Kucerkova said. "I'm glad I could clinch the win for the team. I was a little nervous from the beginning, but I played my aggressive game that led me to clinch the match."
Fresno State's Anastasia Petukhova cruised to a 6-0, 6-2 win over Ana Chikhikvishvili. Bulldog senior Melanie Gloria fought off a cold to defeat No. 42 Alex Poorta 6-1, 2-6, 7-5. Laura Pola and Tinesta Rowe also picked up wins for the Bulldogs.
In doubles action, the Bulldogs continued to dominate winning all three matches for the team point.
The Bulldogs will next travel to UCLA to take on the Bruins on Feb. 26, and then will return home to face Pacific on Feb. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Spalding G. Wathen Tennis Center.
NCAA Women's Tennis
February 21, 2009 - Fresno, Calif.
No. 15 Fresno State def. No. 58 Saint Mary's 7-0
Doubles (Fresno State wins doubles point)
No. 1 Kucerkova/Petukhova (FS) def. No. 42 Poorta/Soper (SMC) 8-2
No. 14 Gloria/Rowe (FS) def. Strijbis/Chikhikvishvili (SMC) 8-0
Paes/Pola (FS) def. Aloia/Calvo (SMC) 8-4
Order of Completion: 2, 3, 1
Singles
No. 17 Melanie Gloria (FS) def. No. 42 Alex Poorta (SMC) 6-1, 2-6, 7-5
No. 23 Anastasia Petukhova (FS) def. Ana Chikhikvishvili (SMC) 6-0, 6-2
No. 79 Renata Kucerkova (FS) def. Claire Soper (SMC) 7-5, 6-3
Tinesta Rowe (FS) def. Nienke Strijbis (SMC) 6-4, 3-6 (13-11)
Laura Pola (FS) def. Sabina Gunnarsson (SMC) 6-2, 6-2
Bruna Paes (FS) def. Marah Calvo (SMC) 5-7, 6-4, 6-4
Order of Completion: 2, 5, 3*, 4, 1, 6
"Join the State - Fresno State" -- The Bulldogs travel to UCLA to face the Bruins on Feb. 26 at 11 a.m., before returning home to face the Pacific Tigers on Feb. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Spalding G. Wathen Tennis Center. Follow the 'Dogs throughout the season on www.gobulldogs.com.
Players Mentioned
