FRESNO, Calif.- In their longest match this season at four and a half hours, the Fresno State women's tennis team defeats the San Jose Spartans in a comeback win at Spalding G. Wathen Tennis Complex on Thursday afternoon.
Senior Misaki Kobaysahi clinched the win for the Bulldogs on court two in a third set tiebreaker, allowing the 'Dogs to remain undefeated in conference play at home.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The afternoon started off with a short ceremony to celebrate the seniors class, Carolina Piferi and Misaki Kobayashi.
San Jose took the first match in doubles on court three defeating Gisclon and Vyshkina, 6-2. Courts 1 and 2 were in a close in stride. Fresno State was leading at No. 1 with Magrini/Kobayashi (5-4) and No. 2 Spartans were holding on 5-4 as well. San Jose pair Babic and Millan secured the doubles point, 6-4, defeating Piferi and Dunbar.
It'd take another hour before either team grabbed a single point with tight match ups on all six courts. San Jose State grabbed the first singles point defeating Charlotte Gisclon on court four, 6-4, 6-3. A strong response by Vyshkina put the 'Dogs on the board defeating Babic 6-2, 6-3.
Magrini, Kobayashi and Piferi all ventured to fight for points in the third set on courts one through three, respectively. On court six, freshman Eliza Dunbar went all-in, in the second set starting down 4-1 and taking the next three games to get within one, 4-3. Spartans earned their next point with Durgan on court six taking Dunbar in a second set tiebreaker, 7(7)-6(2).
Piferi grabbed a second wind of strength to make a comeback win, 7-5, after she was down 5-0 to start the third. Piferi now matches her best conference record at 9-0 from 2022 and earns her 18th singles win this season. In the top slot, Matilde Margini followed close behind to tie it up, 3-3. Magrini defeated Millan in the third set 6-7, 6-2, 6-4.
All eyes were back on court two as the senior, Kobayashi found herself in a third set showdown. Kobayashi and Muraydan went through the third set forcing a tie breaker. Kobayashi would battle through an intense leg cramp to defeat Millan; 6-3, 5-7, 7(8)-6(6).
NOTES
Fresno State improves to 10-12 and 4-4 in conference play
Bulldogs home record improves tp 8-2 and the team remains undefeated in conference play at home
Senior Carolina Piferi matches her best conference record at 9-0 and earned her 18th singles win this season
Senior Misaki Kobayashi clinches the win for the Bulldogs and earns her sixth win at No. 2 singles
Junior Matilde Magrini earns her third win at No. 1 this season
UP NEXT: Bulldogs will hit the road one more time for the Mountain West Championship in Las Vegas at the Darling Tennis Center. Coverage of the tournament will begin on Wednesday, Apr. 23 where all matches will be available to stream via PlaySight and live scoring via iOnCourt. Conference will announce seeding following the conclusion of the matches this week.