INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – Cal State Fullerton women's tennis record-breaking season comes to an end as the Titans fell 4-2 against Hawai'i in the program's first Big West Conference Championship match.
For the first time in program history, the Titans finish 20-6 (6-2). Last season, Fullerton ended their season (19-3, 5-3) after they suffered a 4-1 loss from Hawai'i in the semifinals.
"We had a great season, we beat our record from last year," said Head Coach Dianne Matias. Matias continued, "Unfortunately today didn't go our way but we are definitely looking forward to next year."
The Titans lost the doubles point early in the day to give Hawai'i the lead.
Klara Pribylova and Nikola Dolakova defeated Danielle Pham and Masako Makiba 6-0 on court number two. Shortly after, Marina Hruba and Alzbeta Houbova took down Jadie Acidera and Genevieve Zeidan 6-3. Sarah Nuno and Karla Portalatin's match went unfinished at 4-5 against the tandem of Petra Melounova/Roxanne Resma.
As Fullerton moved into singles play, Hawai'i battled as the momentum was on their side.
On court number four, Klara Pribylova edged a win over Luxizi Meng 6-2, 6-3.
Portalatin got the Titans on the board and she defeated Hruba 6-2, 6-2 on court number three.
"I finally defeated Hruba after playing her for the fourth time, and I am so proud of myself," said Portalatin. Portalatin ends the season with a dual record 18-3 with an eight-match win streak.
Zeidan fell on court number one to No. 80 Petra Melounova 6-3, 7-5. The freshman finished the season 20-6.
Nuno battled on court number two to get Fullerton back in the game. Nuno defeated Dolakova 6-3, 7-6 (7-5). She finished the season 19-6 in dual play with an eight-match win streak.
Hawai'i would put things away for the day after securing a win on court number six. Roxanne Resma defeated Acidera 7-6 (7-5), 6-2. The freshman finished the season 5-1 on court number six. Previously, Acidera was 5-0 on court six.
"I could not be more proud of you. This program is in the process of building something really special," said Athletic Director Jim Donovan.
The 2017-18 campaign is the winningest season in program history. Fullerton earned the No.3 seed and recorded their first trip to the Big West Conference Championship match.
SINGLES:
1. #80 Petra Melounova (UH) def. Zeidan, Genevieve (CSF) 6-3, 7-5
2. Nuno, Sarah (CSF) def. Nikola Dolakova (UH) 6-3, 7-6 (7-5)
3. Portalatin, Karla (CSF) def. Marina Hruba (UH) 6-2, 6-2
4. Klara Pribylova (UH) def. Meng, Luxizi (CSF) 6-2, 6-3
5. Emery, Caisey Lee (CSF) vs. Michelle Pits (UH) 4-6, 6-2, 1-2, unfinished
6. Roxanne Resma (UH) def. Acidera, Jadie (CSF) 7-6 (7-5), 6-2
DOUBLES:
1. Nuno, Sarah/Portalatin, Karla (CSF) vs. Petra Melounova/Roxanne Resma (UH) 4-5, unfinished
2. Klara Pribylova/Nikola Dolakova (UH) def. Makiba, Masako/Pham, Danielle (CSF) 6-0
3. Marina Hruba/Alzbeta Houbova (UH) def. Acidera, Jadie/Zeidan, Genevieve (CSF) 6-3
Order of finish: Doubles (2,3); Singles (4,3,1,2,6)
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