AZUSA, Calif. — No. 13 Azusa Pacific suffered its first setback of the season Wednesday afternoon, falling 4–3 to Pomona-Pitzer at the Munson & Bayougian Tennis Complex.
The Sagehens (1–1) set the tone early by sweeping all three doubles matches to claim the opening point. Pomona-Pitzer earned wins at Nos. 1, 2 and 3 doubles, taking a 1–0 lead heading into singles play.
Order of finish (doubles): 3, 2, 1
In singles, Azusa Pacific (5–1) mounted a strong response. Karola Suviste delivered a straight-sets win at No. 3 singles (6–4, 6–2), while Shannele Lopez battled to a 7–5, 6–4 victory at No. 4. Kimberly Tran added another point at No. 5 with a composed 6–3, 7–5 performance to keep the Cougars within reach.
However, Pomona-Pitzer secured the four points needed for the dual. Mireille Chedid-Daley earned a 6–2, 6–2 win at No. 1 singles, Meha Chaudhary pulled out a three-set battle at No. 2 (6–4, 1–6, 7–5), and Tessa Ellingson closed out the decisive point at No. 6 in straight sets.
Order of finish (singles): 6, 5, 4, 3, 1, 2
Key Stats & Notes
- Suviste and Tran have now started the year 6-0 in singles play.
- Bautista and Chaudhary's three-set battle would last one hour and 53 minutes.
- Suviste has not been beaten in 22 straight singles matches dating back to last year.
