Box Score
DAYTON, Ohio – Chicago State women's tennis dropped a 7-0 decision at Wright State on Friday (Feb. 8).
The Cougars faced an early setback when No. 1 player junior
Karyn Emeralda (Jakarta, Indonesia/) (Jakarta, Indonesia) turned her ankle in warm-ups and was unable to participate. Her injury forced a late lineup switch.
Early on in doubles play it looked like the Cougars may earn the doubles point after freshman
Marnie Perez-Ochoa (Louisville, Ky./Male) (Louisville, Ky./Male) and sophomore
Mia Townsell (Gardnerville, Nev./Douglas) (Gardnerville, Nev./Douglas) defeated Chelsea Girgash and Megan McNamara 8-4 at No. 3 doubles. It was Townsell's first match of the year. However the Cougars dropped the final two doubles competitions to give the doubles point to Wright State.
The Raiders went on to take the six singles matches. Two of the contests went three sets. Perez-Ochoa fell to Amy Nini 3-6, 6-4, 11-9 at No. 3 singles. Liz Steingass defeated junior
Mysta Townsell (Gardnerville, Nev./Douglas) (Gardnerville, Nev./Douglas) 5-7, 7-6 (7-5), 10-7 at No. 6 singles.
“When Karyn was injured we had freshmen in our top four,” head coach
Jack Barton said. “Then the ladies found themselves in play for the doubles point. I think after it didn't go our way it was tough emotionally to get refocused for singles. We responded well but Wright State had three seniors in the top four and I think experience mattered.”
Despite the loss Barton was satisfied with his team's effort.
“Last week we won a match due to an injury by the opponent, but today the tables turned,” Barton said. “It is a lesson you just have to be ready at all times and I think the team was ready. I think we grew up a whole lot today. We didn't win but we fought hard.”
Wright State improves to 3-2. Chicago State falls to 2-5. The Cougars play Dayton on Saturday.
