In an electrifying start to their season, the Eastern Washington Eagles secured a hard-fought 4-3 victory over the visiting UC Davis Aggies. This win marks the Eagles' first triumph over the Aggies in three all-time meetings and their first home opener success since 2022. Head coach Dustin Hinson praised his team's resilience and effort, highlighting their ability to persevere under pressure. The match saw thrilling performances in both doubles and singles, with several players showcasing remarkable determination and skill.
The Eagles demonstrated exceptional teamwork and determination throughout the match. In doubles, they clinched two victories out of three matches, setting a strong foundation for the day. In singles, despite facing challenges, key players like Isabella Foshee and Kelly Arends delivered crucial wins that ultimately sealed the victory. The match not only highlighted individual talent but also underscored the collective spirit of the team as they fought back from early deficits.
Eagles Dominate Doubles Play
The Eagles showcased their prowess in doubles play, securing two out of three victories to gain an early advantage. Their performance in this segment was pivotal, providing the momentum needed for the rest of the match. The No. 1 and No. 2 doubles pairs played exceptionally well, overcoming initial hurdles to secure critical points.
The No. 1 doubles team of Isabella Foshee and Kenzington Mann dominated their match, winning convincingly with a score of 6-2. Meanwhile, the No. 2 doubles pair, Leandra Nizetic and Kelly Arends, faced a tougher challenge. Despite falling behind early, they displayed remarkable resilience, turning the tide to win 7-6 (3) in a closely contested match. Coach Hinson emphasized the importance of perseverance, noting how these victories exemplified the team's refusal to quit when things got tough. The No. 3 doubles match, featuring Anait Arutiunian and Olivia Marais, narrowly missed out on a win but still contributed significantly to the team's overall performance.
Singles Showdown Highlights Individual Resilience
The singles competition was equally intense, with players demonstrating remarkable skill and determination. Several close matches highlighted the Eagles' ability to stay composed under pressure, particularly in critical moments. Senior Isabella Foshee led the charge, winning her No. 1 singles match in three sets, while freshman Olivia Marais showed promise despite losing her debut match.
Foshee's victory in the No. 1 singles match was a testament to her experience and tenacity. She won 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, proving her mettle against a formidable opponent. In contrast, Marais faced an early setback in the No. 6 singles match, losing the first set 6-0. However, she rallied back impressively in the second set, forcing a tiebreaker that ultimately went in favor of her opponent. Coach Hinson praised Marais for her fighting spirit, emphasizing that such resilience would be crucial for future matches. The decisive moment came in the No. 5 singles match, where senior Kelly Arends clinched the victory with scores of 6-3, 6-4, sealing the 4-3 win for the Eagles. This victory not only marked a strong start to the season but also set a positive tone for the upcoming road games.