Ranked No. 17 in the nation, the USC Trojans started their season with two wins against the University of San Francisco and Saint Mary’s College. This match begins the spring season for the Trojans and marks the beginning of their journey to the NCAA tournament. With seven freshmen on the roster, much of the team played in their first college dual match this weekend.
Following a win earlier in the day, the Trojans took to the David X. Marks Tennis Stadium Saturday afternoon in a match versus USF. The women dominated USF, winning the dual 4-0 with all singles matches winning in two sets. The afternoon started strong with a sweep in doubles matches followed by the three two-set victories that secured the 4-0 win.
USC junior Eryn Cayetano, currently the No. 1 ranked player in the country, contributed to the win with her quick defeat over USF sophomore Maria Martinez Vaquero 6-3, 6-2 to put the Trojans up 2-0. Following her win, freshman Grace Piper and freshman standout No. 39 Snow Han sealed the deal, giving the Trojans their second win of the weekend.
Rocking the whites on Sunday, the Trojans battled Saint Mary’s college in a competitive dual match. Piper and redshirt freshman McKenna Koenig, as well as senior Danielle Wilson and freshman Sloane Morra, went into a tiebreaker, with both pairs ultimately taking the win and the point.
Following the doubles matches, Piper defeated sophomore Jocelyn Massey in a nail-biting 6-1, 7-5 match. Senior Salma Ewing ,currently ranked No.12 in the country, fell short against fifth-year Mariia Kozyreva in a two-set match 7-6, 6-1.
The dual came down to the three-set match against Koenig and freshman Stefanie Silva. Koenig secured the win as she took the third set 6-0 leading the team to a 4-2 win against the Gaels. The Trojans celebrated their victory by huddling and discussing their favorite and least favorite parts of the match as they look forward to a much-anticipated rest day tomorrow.
“The leadership of our returners is really helpful, they have a lot of experience under their belt,” head coach Alison Swain said after the match. Swan was hopeful with her eyes towards the future adding, “Every match at this point helps us for the Pac-12 Season and the big weekends ahead.” Swain was proud of the team as they pulled out their first wins of the season.
The women of Troy head to Waco, Texas next week for ITA Kickoff Weekend where they will compete against the University of Miami.