CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The Islanders women's tennis team remained perfect on the season with a 5-2 home victory over visiting Sam Houston State Friday afternoon at the Thomas J. Henry Tennis Center.
RELATED: Results (pdf)
"The ladies battled today, but the one thing about being at home is that sometimes you can get a little comfortable," Director of Tennis Steve Moore said. "We weren't quite the pack of cornered wolves that we were at McNeese. There we were very unified and had a real sense of urgency."
Coming off of a tough road victory at McNeese State that allowed Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (14-0, 5-0) to takeover sole possession of first place in the Southland Conference standings, Friday's contest proved a bit more challenging than expected.
"Today's effort was solid. We battled," Moore said. "We dug some holes and had the character to dig and climb out of those holes. But I'd like to see it be more precise. We need it to be more precise to reach our goals and be conference champions."
The Bearkats (6-9, 1-5) battled right back.
"I give a lot of credit to Sam Houston State," Moore said. "They're a good, young team and they pushed us today. They're well coached and are matches are always battles. They're a class act of a team."
A&M-Corpus Christi took the early lead after winning at number two and number three doubles to clinch the first point of the match. Hortense Boscher and Alexandra Belle won 6-0 at number three before Celia Rodriguez and Maider Martin clinched it with a 6-3 victory at number two.
The Islanders started slowly in singles play, allowing the Bearkats to take the first set in three of six singles matches.
Jelena Dzinic and Judit Vives made quick work of their opponents though. Dzinic won 6-2, 6-0 at number two and Vives came out on top 6-3, 6-1 at number three. Hortense Boscher was upended 6-3, 6-0 by Fabienne Gettwart and the Islanders led 3-1.
With teammates Maider Martin and Kerry Galhos having both lost their first set, Celia Rodriguez took it into her hands to clinch the win for the Islanders. The senior won 6-4, 6-2 at number four singles to give the Blue and Green the win.
With the victory Rodriguez tied the Islanders' all-time record for singles wins in a career. Her 62 wins ties Sandra Burges in the A&M-Corpus Christi record books.
Martin ended up winning 5-7, 7-6, 6-1 at number five, while Galhos fell to Maddie Mortimore 6-4, 4-6 (10-7) at number six.
"I'm excited about the future for this team, but today is a day we need to learn from," Moore concluded. "We have to learn to be crisper, more precise and play every point with intensity."
The Islanders return to action Saturday, hosting Lamar at the Thomas J. Henry Tennis Center. Doubles play is scheduled to start at noon.
