By Tim Heiduk
January 31, 2020
 
(OJAI, Calif.) Westmont women's tennis, ranked 14th in the NAIA, battled hard against its third straight NCAA opponent to begin the season, but ultimately fell short, losing 2-5 to NCAA Division II Cal State LA.
 
"We had a very close match with a solid team," Westmont head coach Ellie Johnson said. "I am proud of the way the women fought from start to finish today. We had our chances to take the doubles' point which is exciting looking forward to our upcoming matches. We are making good moves at the net and just need to play a little steadier from the back."
 
Cade Pierson won her second singles match of the season at number one in convincing fashion, defeating Noa Davico 6-1, 6-4. Sidney Lowry earned the second of two points for the Warriors, winning in three sets at number three singles against Chelsey Ruiz: 6-1, 2-6, 6-4.
 
"In singles, Cade and Sydney stand out," Johnson said. "Cade took care of business and played steady, smart tennis. She was athletic as always. Sydney fought through a close three set match. After having two close matches last weekend, she finally pulled out today's match. She had to battle and the last point was more than 70 balls."
 
Rachal Jackson went to three sets against Sakura Kurokawa, but fell on the wrong side of a 6-2, 2-6, 1-6 decision.
 
"Rachal split sets with a very talented player," Johnson said. "She was working the point and can build from the foundation of today's match going into the rest of season."
 
Emily Peterson won five games in the second set against Amanda Schneider, but dropped her number two singles match in straight sets, 2-6, 5-7.
 
"Emily was close to splitting against a really solid opponent," Johnson said. "She was dictating well."
 
At number five singles, Berta Acero defeated Christine Hemry, 6-4, 6-1.
 
"Christine was working her opponent," Johnson said. "She was executing well and has a great starting point to continue to execute points going forward in season."
 
Ana Negri rounded out singles play at number six, falling 2-6, 0-6 to Mariko Sagara.
 
Cal State LA swept the matches in doubles. Ruiz and Schneider defeated Lowry and Jackson at number one, 6-1. Davico and Sagura beat Pierson and Peterson, 6-3, at number two. Kurokawa and Acero were leading Hemry and Negri, 5-3, at number three when the Golden Eagles clinched the one point available in doubles by winning at doubles one and two.
 
Westmont returns to the court tomorrow for its home opener against Redlands at noon.
 
"Overall it was another great match for us at the start of this year," Johnson said. "I was proud of the women's focus and energy and we're excited to play Redlands tomorrow."