FRESNO, Calif. – It was a close contest between Academy of Art women's tennis against fellow Pacific West Conference member Fresno Pacific on Thursday, with the doubles point giving FPU early momentum before the Sunbirds ultimately grabbed a 4-3 win over ART U. 

Facing an uphill climb after being swept in doubles action, the Urban Knights (1-1) nearly met the challenge after splitting the six singles matches with FPU (2-1). Two of the three victories in singles play belonged to sophomore Yun "Nicole" Shiau and freshman Julia Ortega, as both remained unbeaten on the year after ousting their opponents. Starting on court two, Shiau was able to take down her opponent Lea Falentin in two extended sets, 7-6, 7-6. Meanwhile, Ortega followed on court four with a quick ousting of Alice Marques in straight sets, 6-0, 6-1. Sophomore Sofia Ragona's first win of 2022 would be the third and final singles victory for ART U, as she outdueled Maria Borodii on court one 7-5, 6-3. 

Academy of Art will have a quick turnaround after this match, as the Knights return to the court tomorrow to face off against Point Loma in Fresno beginning at 3 p.m.