WOMEN'S TENNIS HOLDS OFF RIO HONDO FOR 5-4 WIN

PHOTOS by Byron Devers

This season, the Marauders have played several tight matches. The matchup with Rio Hondo was no exception, with the Marauders prevailing 5-4.

In doubles play, No.1 Kristi Henderson and Naia Smithley lost 7-9, No.2 Brooke Faulk and Sabrina Bulsombut took control early en route to an 8-1 victory, and No. 3 Doubles Juliana Martinez and Gabriela Garcia won by default.

In singles play, Henderson fell behind 0-3 before taking the first set 6-3. Henderson dropped the second 4-6 as well as the third set tiebreak 6-10. Smithley lost 3-6, 4-6, and Faulk fell 2-6, 2-6. Bulsombut also struggled early, trailing 0-3 in the first before winning 7-6 (4), 6-2. Martinez had similar struggles trailing 4-5 before taking the first 7-5, followed by a dominant 6-0 win in the second. Garcia won by default.

Coach Webb stated, " It was really great to see Brooke and Sabrina play well today. They have had several close losses, and today they came out on fire and didn't let up. Sabrina and Juliana demonstrated the ability to stay focused and overcome early struggles to pull out two key victories. It was a great team win."

The Marauders return to conference play next Tuesday vs Bakersfield at home. The match begins at 2 PM.