WOMEN'S TENNIS TOPS PORTERVILLE, FALLS TO GLENDALE AND VENTURA

Against Porterville College, the Marauders took control of the match early and didn't let up, defeating visiting Pirates 9-0. In doubles play, Kristi Henderson and Naia Smithley picked up their first win of the year, 8-4. Brooke Faulk and Sabrina Bulsombut were victorious, winning 8-1, and Gabriela Garcia and Juliana Martinez won by default.

In singles play, Henderson won 6-0, 6-2 at the number 1 spot. After dropping the first set at 2-6, Smithley rebounded, winning the second set 6-3, and the third set 10-8 for the win. At the number 3 and 4 singles, Garcia and Martinez won with identical 6-0, 6-0 scores. Faulk and Bulsombut won their singles matches by default. Coach Webb stated, "Kristi and Naia were a new doubles pairing this season, and as they become more familiar with each other, their play has improved. This was their first win of the year, which is always exciting. I was also glad to see Naia win in singles after dropping the first set." "All of the ladies played well. Gabriela and Juliana have won two straight in singles, so we look forward to keeping the momentum going," he added.

Against Glendale, the Marauders came up short 4-5, in a match that went back and forth from start to finish. In doubles play, both No. 1 Kristi Henderson and Naia Smithley and No. 2 Brooke Faulk and Sabrina Bulsombut lost 2-8. Gabriela Garcia and Juliana Martinez rallied to win at No. 3 doubles 8-4.

In singles play, No.1 Henderson fell behind in the first set 2-5 and got back into the set before falling 5-7. Henderson won the second set 6-2, then lost the third 2-6. At No. Smithley lost in straight sets 2-6, 1-6. At No.3 singles, Faulk also lost in three sets 2-6, 6-1, 2-6. At No. 4, 5, and 6 the Marauders won in straight sets with Bulsombut (7-5, 7-6 (8), Garcia (6-2, 6-3), and Martinez (6-3, 6-3).

"Gabriela and Juliana were down 3-0 and won 8 of the next 9 games to win the match and took that momentum into singles and won there as well." said coach Webb. "Sabrina played a match that went back and forth and held on to win in two sets as well. I was also proud of Kristi and Brooke, both came back from dropping the first set to force a third. We are continuing to see signs of improvement and look forward to our next opportunity to put it all together and experience both individual and team success." Webb added.

The Marauders got off to a quick start in their conference matchup against Ventura College. No. 1 doubles Kristi Henderson and Naia Smithley took control early en route to an 8-2 victory. No. 2 Doubles Brooke Faulk and Sabrina Bulsombut lost a back and forth match 6-8, and No. 3 doubles Gabriela Garcia and Juliana Martinez fell 4-8.

In singles play, No. 5 Garcia lost 1-6, 4-6, while No.2 Smithley (6-3, 6-3) and No. 6 Martinez (6-1, 7-6 (2) won in straight sets. For Henderson and Faulk, it would come down to the third set once again. Henderson jumped out to a 6-1 first set win, then dropped the last two 2-6, 2-6. Faulk dropped the first set 3-6, won the second 6-4, but ultimately lost, dropping the third 1-6.

Coach Webb noted, "Kristi and Naia are really starting to develop good chemistry in doubles, and it is translating to success. Naia was also able to keep it going in Singles. She has turned the corner since our last match. Juliana continues to play well, and Gabriela, Kristi, and Brooke continue to improve." "Losing three set matches is never easy, but I know Kristi and Brooke will continue to fight," added Webb.