Match Results
Turlock, CA – The Academy of Art University's women's tennis team traveled south to face CSU Stanislaus on Friday afternoon. It had been two weeks since the Knights played last, and this match was no easy task for the women to take on. The Urban Knights had two major challenges in the match; one, the Warriors are the No. 19 ranked team in the nation, and two, having to play in the scorching afternoon sun. ART U came out attacking and ready to play as they worked hard against a very tough opposing team. After four hours in 90 degree weather, the Knights fell to the Warriors with a score of 3-6.
“It was a really tough, hard-fought match and everybody knew that especially going up against the #19 team in the nation. But we were right there with them the whole way and this one just got away from us,” exclaimed Head Coach Dave Allen.
The match began with doubles play and the Knights were back to some of their original pairings. But the powerful duos appeared to have met their matches. Kunkanda "Cartoon" Phukchampa and Laone "Lala" Botshoma teamed up but came up short of a victory with a score of 4-8. However, the Knights came right back when the No. 2 doubles team, Amal Ben El Hadj and Diane Phan, came together for a big win over their opponents taking the match 8-2. Paola Correa Fe and Courtney DeWalt competed in the third and final doubles spot, and were edged out 8-2.
Down by just one, ART U looked to turn things around and get the momentum going their way in singles play. The matches were very tough and well played, but the hot sun began to take its toll on some of the ART U players. Phukchampa started things off competing in the No.1 singles slot, but was defeated. Ben El Hadj then stepped up next for her team and really put on a valiant effort. She forced the match to three sets and even battled head exhaustion before falling with scores of 5-7, 6-2, 7-6. After a loss in the No. 4 singles spot, Phan stepped up for her team competing in the No. 5 slot. Phan came out with her 'A' game and quickly defeated her opponent winning 6-3, 6-0. The Knights fell again in the next singles match, but immediately recovered. Correa Fe was in the 6th and final singles spot for ART U, and was very successful, not allowing the heat to get to her. She came out victorious in her match winning 6-2, 6-1.
“I give Stanislaus credit because they have had some very close matches against some of the highest ranked teams in our region and I'm happy with the way our team handled themselves. I'm excited going into the PacWest Championships and so is our team. This weather is great so we can get prepared for the hot conditions playing in Hawaii,” said Coach Dave Allen
After the challenging day, the women fell to Stanislaus with a final score of 6-3. But the loss was a mere learning experience for the young ART U team, proving that they can compete with some of the top teams in their sport. The Urban Knights won a few matches on the day, including an exhibition win for Cecilia Hedin competing in the No. 7 singles spot. This tough and challenging competition was just what the women needed before they head into the Pacific West Championships next week.
“I was really happy to see our team's fortitude and that we never threw in the towel despite the heat exhaustion. It was a drastic change in both the temperatures and the season so that was a huge factor in this match for both teams. Despite suffering this loss, it doesn't affect us in one way or another. They're ranked higher than us and this is great competition to have just prior to going into the PacWest Championships. I feel our team is well-prepared," added Allen.
After the loss, the Academy of Art University's record is at 9-3 overall, while CSU Stanislaus' record improves to 4-6 overall. The Knights play next on Sunday, April 3rd when they face Dominican University. First serve is scheduled for 1:00 pm in San Rafael, CA.
