By Sara Biela (@sarabielaa ):
San Jose State’s women’s tennis swept the weekend at home after commanding 5-2 and 4-0 victories against Academy of Art and Cal State Northridge, respectively.
The Spartans (3-1) took complete control of the Knights (0-1), by taking all three of the doubles sets and four of six singles matches.
Tamara Culibrk was among four players to win both in doubles and singles.
“We had a strong start for doubles,” said the sophomore. “That helped us get momentum for singles.”
From their previous season, Academy of Art was ranked No. 7 in the Division II West Region.
Head coach Chad Skorupka knew what they were up against.
“They’re a good team and it showed,” said Skorupka. “We had a good start in doubles, and in three of the positions for singles. We got a little frustrated in some of the matches we lost. We can do better.”
SJSU carried its confidence into Saturday’s non-conference match against the Matadors (0-1).
The Spartans had more of a challenge in doubles, with the deciding point leaning on No. 3 freshmen pair Savannah Sendar and Jackie Wagner.
After trailing the entire set, Sendar and Wagner fought back and won the doubles pro set 7-5.
“It pretty was close. We earned it,” Wagner said after the match.
It was a whole different story when it came to singles.
The Spartans were able to win three straight matches to defeat CSUN 4-0, leaving the three other matches unfinished.
“It was great,” said Skorupka. “Today’s doubles was the key. It was awesome to see Savannah and Jackie be victorious there.”
The Spartans will hit the road for the first time this season next week and face Grand Canyon University on Friday and Cal State Fullerton on Saturday.
“I’m excited to get out of here,” said Skorupka. “We’ve never played Grand Canyon before, and we lost to Fullerton 4-3 in a tough match last year, so we’re excited to get another chance at them next week.”
First serve for both days is set for 11 a.m.