Bobcat Women’s Tennis Team Stays Unbeaten in Big Sky Play

Saturday, March 4

Sacramento, CA

4 p.m.

Montana State University

Sacramento State

Freshman Chloe Goyette

Photo by: Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez

Bobcat Women’s Tennis Team Stays Unbeaten in Big Sky Play

3/4/2017 10:21:00 PM | Women's Tennis

“We wanted to set the tone right away, and we were able to do it by winning the doubles point,” said senior co-captain Naomi Holopainen. “After that, we fought hard across the line up. This was a great win for us as a team as we continue improving.”

By: Tom Schulz

The Montana State women's tennis team remained unbeaten in Big Sky Conference play, upsetting perennial league power Sacramento State 4-3, Sunday afternoon.

"I am proud of our team," said MSU head coach Jon Reeves. "The team has been pushed hard from day one and wins like this prove to them that they belong. We always preach that together they can do it. The whole team is coming together and this win is a fine example. This group has learned to compete and they are growing together into one. We are not done by any means, but this is a big step in the right direction."

Montana State (7-3, 3-0) opened the match winning the doubles point with victories at Nos. 1 and 2, both in convincing fashion.

"We wanted to set the tone right away, and we were able to do it by winning the doubles point," said senior co-captain Naomi Holopainen. "After that, we fought hard across the line up. This was a great win for us as a team as we continue improving."

Sacramento State (3-8, 2-2) answered at No. 5 singles as Sofia Wicker notched a 6-1, 6-1 decision over MSU's Jessica Brycki. MSU senior Naomi Holopainen gave the Bobcats a one-point advantage with a 6-4, 6-0 win over Carolina Chernyetsky, but again, the Hornets responded to even the match at 2-2 with a victory at the top spot.

Junior Angelina Philippova gave the Bobcats the lead for good with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Andie Mouzes at No. 4 and MSU freshman Chloe Goyette sealed the match with a hard-fought 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory at No. 2 singles over Karina Vyrlan.

"The energy and enthusiasm were there from the start," commented Laura Middel, a senior co-captain. "Getting a conference win on the road is always great."

The Bobcats will face UC Davis on Sunday.

Montana State 4, Sacramento State 3

Singles:
1. Ana Loaiza (SAC) d. Laura Middel, 6-4, 6-1
2. Chloe Goyette (MSU) d. Karina Vyrlan 4-6, 6-3, 7-5
3. Naomi Holopainen (MSU) d. Carolina Chernyetsky 6-4, 6-0
4. Angelina Philippova (MSU) d. Andie Mouzes
5. Sofia Wicker (SAC) d. Jessica Brycki 6-1, 6-1
6. Sofia Gulnova (SAC) d. Wanda Holopainen 5-7, 6-2, 7-5.

Doubles:
1. Middel/Goyette (MSU) d. Vyrlan/Mouzes 6-2
2. N. Holopainen/Brycki (MSU) d. Loaiza/Gulnova 6-1
3. Wicker/Chernyetsky (SAC) d. W. Holopainen/Shelby Cerkovnik 6-2