Nini Guensler hits 100 career wins

USU women’s tennis lost to Northern Arizona 4-1 Saturday. There was a bright spot, however, as junior Nini Guensler became the fifth Aggie to win 100 career matches.

“Nini’s 100th win is something to be happy for,” said USU assistant coach Ruth Seaborne. “We’ll celebrate that on Monday.”

The day started with doubles, where sophomore Sabrina Demerath and junior Ekaterina Tugarinova lost 6-1; junior Nini Guensler and junior Lexi Turley would also lose 6-1 to give Northern Arizona the 1-0 lead to start off the match.

“The doubles point proved to be pretty key today,” Seaborne said. “They came out with a little bit more energy than us and they took their opportunities.”

Northern Arizona extended their lead to 2-0 after Blanka Szavay beat Tugarinova in straight sets, 6-0, 6-1. Guensler put the Aggies on the scoreboard with her 6-1, 6-1 win over Northern Arizona’s Hanneke Lodewijks.

“I wasn’t thinking about it, I was just trying to play the point,” Guensler said. “After I realized I thought it was a really cool feeling.”

As singles play continued, sophomore Maggie O’Meara fell in straight sets 6-4, 6-3, to Hailey Rochin to give the Lumberjacks the 3-1 lead. However, freshman Monika Van de Vondel had to retire her match because of an injury, giving Northern Arizona the 4-1 win over the Aggies.

Sophomores Demerath and Meghan Lyall didn’t finish their matches after the Lumberjacks sealed the win. Demerath and Lyall both lost their first sets, and were leading the second set when the match was called.

The Aggies return to the courts Friday, April 8 where they will host Air Force at 11 a.m. in Logan.

— joebaraiolo@gmail.com

Twitter: @joefish_2