TURLOCK — With postseason destiny in their own hands, the Cal State Stanislaus Warriors out-battled Cal Poly Pomona for a 5-4 victory on a hot day at CSUS Tennis Courts on Wednesday.
The regular season finale win meant the Warriors finish second in the California Collegiate Athletic Association with a 7-3 record (10-3 overall) and, as the No. 4 ranked team in the West Region, the win could also mean a trip to Hawaii for the NCAA West Regionals.
“I am super proud of the girls for battling to the end on a long, hot day,” CSUS head coach Verek Visaraga said. “Cal Poly Pomona is one of the toughest teams and (CPP head coach) Sandy (Kriezel) always has them ready to play. We knew it was going to be a battle.”
A battle it was as the match was ultimately decided four-plus hours after it started at 10 a.m. between the No. 6 singles players. Stanislaus freshman
Heather Cotter was down 5-2 in the third set and facing match-point with her opponent, Fallon Blattner serving. Cotter, however, held serve and rallied from behind to win the game and rolled off four more to win 7-5. She won the first set 7-6 (7-4).
Cotter’s win gave the Warriors the fifth team-point it had been looking to pick up, most of the early afternoon after Stanislaus took two of three in doubles play. The No. 1 and No. 3 singles players
Verena Preikschas and
Vanesa Reibstein also won their matches quickly in straight sets.
“I am excited and proud for Heather. She’s battled some illness and injuries for most of the season. When she’s healthy, she can play and fight against any one,” Visaraga said. “This shows that it’s not always the top players scoring. The No. 6 can make the difference, too.”
Cotter improved her personal singles record to 7-5.
Preikschas beat Jackie Trendt, 6-2, 6-1 at No. 1 to close out a tremendous regular season with a 13-0 record in dual matches. She was 10-0 in CCAA play. Preikschas and
Katie Eng also finished undefeated as the No. 1 doubles team at 14-0 overall and 10-0 in the CCAA heading into the postseason. The No. 1 doubles team beat Pomona’s Blattner and Jennifer Chow, 8-3.
At No. 3 singles, Reibstein handled her opponent, Mallory Brady, 6-1, 6-0. Reibstein is 9-0 at No. 3 this season.
The No. 3 doubles team of Cotter and
Lexy Harrington also took their match, against Kelley Wong and Michelle Stock, 8-3.
“It’s fitting that destiny was in our own hands and we got to do in on our home court,” Visaraga added.
The Warriors now travel to Ojai for the Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament which starts on Thursday before finding out officially if they will get a trip to Oahu. Entering the week, Stanislaus, Cal Poly Pomona and Sonoma State were fighting for the fourth and final berth in the NCAA West Regional tournament. With Pomona beating Sonoma last Saturday and the Warriors losing to Sonoma on Sunday, Wednesday’s match figured to be the decisive factor.
BYU Hawaii is the region’s top team and No. 3 in the nation and will be hosting the four-team tournament with CCAA winner UC San Diego and Hawaii Pacific the other participants.
Cal State Stanislaus Women's Tennis
Cal Poly Pomona vs Cal State Stanislaus (Apr 22, 2009)
Apr 22, 2009 at Turlock, Calif. (CSUS Tennis Courts)
#32 Cal State Stanislaus 5, #44 Cal Poly Pomona 4
Singles competition
1. Verena Preikschas (CSUS) def. Jackie Trendt (CPP) 6-2, 6-1
2. Jennifer Chow (CPP) def. Katie Eng (CSUS) 5-7, 6-2, 6-2
3. Vanesa Reibstein (CSUS) def. Mallory Brady (CPP) 6-1, 6-0
4. Kaitlin Wooldridge (CPP) def. Lexy Harrington (CSUS) 1-6, 6-4, 6-3
5. Michelle Stock (CPP) def. Brianna McClintock (CSUS) 7-6 (7-2), 6-1
6. Heather Cotter (CSUS) def. Fallon Blattner (CPP) 7-6 (7-4), 7-5
Doubles competition
1. Verena Preikschas/Katie Eng (CSUS) def. Jennifer Chow/Fallon Blattner (CPP) 8-3
2. Kaitlin Wooldridge/Jackie Trendt (CPP) def. Brianna McClintock/Vanesa Reibstein (CSUS) 8-3
3. Lexy Harrington/Heather Cotter (CSUS) def. Kelley Wong/Michelle Stock (CPP) 8-3
Match Notes
Cal Poly Pomona 8-12, 5-5 CCAA; National ranking #44; Regional ranking #7
Cal State Stanislaus 10-3, 7-3 CCAA; National ranking #32; Regional ranking #4
T-4:15 A-60
