SANTA CRUZ - UC Santa Cruz's youthful women's tennis team opened their spring dual season with a epic 5-4 victory over Division II Holy Names University on Sunday.
"To beat a Division II team today was a big statement for our team and our program," said head coach Amy Jensen after. "Last time we lost to this team 9-0, so to turn things around and come on out top was a great feeling and a sign of how dedicated we have all been."
UC Santa Cruz was up 2-1 after the doubles matches, and 3-1 after Isabelle Brown made quick work of her opponent at No. 5 singles. The Hawks however came back to win three straight matches all in straight sets. The Banana Slugs clinched the match when freshman Ashley Isaac won the number 1 singles in 3 sets over Turkmen Fed Cup veteran Jahan Mayramova and Savannah Hammick defeated Julia Golub in a tiebreaker 6-4, 7-6.
"Every player on our team poured themselves into this match," Jensen said "It was a total team effort - all Slugs were on deck!"
The squad hits the courts on Saturday with a dual at home against Division II Sonoma State.
