LA JOLLA, Calif. – Up against this week's host in No. 22 UC San Diego, No. 5 Academy of Art weathered the storm of several tough singles matches, but persevered for a 4-3 victory at the Northview Tennis Courts on Thursday evening.
Under the lights after a weather delay pushed the schedule back one and a half hours, the Urban Knights had pressure put on them right away from a default at No. 3 doubles. Despite the challenge, No. 5-ranked team of seniors
Alma Thell-Lenntorp and
Klara Thell-Lenntorp did not miss a beat, winning 6-2 against Ashley Chao and Becky Chou in the top position while junior
Mariacristina Andrisani and freshman
Sofia Ragona prevailed over Madison Hale and Alexandra Weil in the second slot.
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Despite having the doubles point in hand, ART U still needed to take three of five in singles after defaulting at No. 6 there as well. At No. 5, Ragona won in straight sets over Chloe Wight 6-2, 6-0 while
Klara Thell-Lenntorp rallied back from an early deficit to win 1-6, 6-2, 6-1 against Ashley Chao in the No. 1 spot. Eventual losses at No. 3 and No. 4 would ultimately make
Alma Thell-Lenntorp's No. 2 match versus Alexandra Weil the decisive one and it would tip the match in the Urban Knights' favor 6-4, 7-5.
In a rematch from
last year's NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals, Academy of Art is slated to play its third match in as many days tomorrow versus No. 1 Barry back at the Northview Tennis Courts at 9 a.m.
