The Women’s Tennis Team on court after defeating University of Calgary.
The UBC Thunderbird Sports Women’s Tennis Team began its 2018-19 competitive season with a full schedule in Calgary over the November long weekend. The thunderbirds split results, with a dominating 6-1 win over the Calgary Dinos and 1-6 loss to the Alberta Pandas, but an overall promising start.
The competition squad this season features three rookies who all stepped up to the challenge of their first intercollegiate tennis matches, and all picked up at least one win. On Saturday, against the University of Alberta Panda’s, first-year Madi Fan picked up the W in her No. 3. singles spot in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1. “The competition has become better over the years and this is the highest level on both sides I’ve seen since I’ve been coaching the team” stated Coach Yamamoto about the fall matchup.
On Sunday, after several grueling matches the previous day, the Thunderbirds warmed up and hit the courts in full strength. In doubles, all three pairs won picking up the doubles point, including a tight 8-6 victory at the No. 1. doubles spot for senior Jessica Silva and first-year Michelle Lim.
Singles began with two victories for the Thunderbirds at the No. 3 spot, with rookies Fan winning 6-2, 6-3, and Martina Capelli defeating Dragovic at No. 5. in a tight battle, 6-4, 7-5. Silva (3-6, 6-4, 6-2) and Jacy Chan (6-1, 4-6, 6-4) then picked up points at the No. 1. and 6 positions in long three-setters. The Calgary Dinos claimed the No. 2. singles, but Ivana Erdevicki tacked on the final point with a 5-7, 6-2, *7-5 (tiebreaker) win at No. 4.
The Thunderbirds will return to action in January, kicking off the term by hosting the BC Regionals against the University of Victoria Women’s Tennis Team at the UBC Tennis Centre.
The Women’s Tennis Team at the Calgary Airport.