Colorado State eaks out win vs. Aggies
The Aggies lost by the slimmest of margins, 4-3, Thursday afternoon at the Sports Academy to Colorado State University.
USU won three of the six singles matches, including the final one (No. 4 singles) in dramatic fashion. But the doubles matches lost before the singles matches proved to be the difference.
“Even though we lost, it still felt like a win,” said USU head coach Chris Wright.
Women’s collegiate tennis has been changed this year so the doubles matches counted for only one point, not three.
The Aggies split the first two doubles matches (No. 2 and No. 3) but lost the deciding match 8-6 in the No. 1 doubles match.
Sarah Lowe, half of the No. 1 doubles team, got revenge in the No. 1 singles match by beating CSU’s Amanda Bartz 6-3, 6-3. Freshman Richelle Ferguson followed suit by her winning her match 2-6, 6-4, 6-1.
But the Rams won the No. 3, No. 5 and No. 6 singles to clinch the victory.
USU’s Tracy Bertagna won the final match (No. 4 singles) in a thriller 3-6, 7-6, 6-2.
“Everybody played well not just the girls that won,” Wright said. “It was a good team effort. We came up just one point short.
USU is now 1-1, while CSU is 1-0.
ISU 5, USU 2 (men’s tennis)
Idaho State University overcame stubborn play from USU’s men’s team Wednesday in Pocatello, Idaho.
Ryan Burbidge (4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (3) win in No. 4 singles) and Dan Baird (6-2, 3-6, 6-1 in No. 6 singles) scored the only point for the Aggies.
USU also won the No. 2 doubles match when Jonah Nelson and Tim Burrell teamed up for an 8-4 win. But two 8-6 wins in the other two matches gave the Bengals the point.
ISU took the first three singles matches to clinch the victory, but it took two three-set victories.