UTSA women’s tennis took on two teams during its home opener over the weekend, beating Texas State University 4-1 and St. Mary’s University 6-1 at the UTSA Tennis Center on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
After dropping a point to Texas State (1-2) during their doubles matches, the ‘Runners (6-0) were left to rely on the skill and tactics of each individual player during their singles matchups on Saturday. However, there was a sense of security after they managed to secure a doubles point against the Rattlers (0-0), giving them an edge as they headed into singles on Sunday.
Junior Letizia Corsini and sophomore Vittoria Baccino conquered their I-35 rivals with ease, while junior Arina Babenko earned a match point after a long hard-fought battle as she secured the final point for UTSA. Sophomore Ekua Youri proved to be the highlight of the weekend during UTSA’s home opener.
Throughout both her doubles and singles matches, Youri came out on top. Despite a change in partners, Youri guided both her doubles teams in clean sweeps. She finished first in doubles alongside freshman Valeria Sanchez, sweeping the Bobcats 6-0, as well with Baccino, beating the Rattlers 6-0.
“I always have a lot of fun during doubles. It’s always a laugh when we’re on court together, always very entertaining,” Youri said of her time playing side-by-side with Baccino. “We always support each other, egging each other on, making sure we’re doing the best we can, [we’re] always pushing each other.”
The Botswana native dominated in her singles matches too. She finished her singles first on both Saturday and Sunday as she bested Texas State’s Callie Creath in two sets, 6-2 and 6-3, likewise against St. Mary’s Alessia Terlizzi, who she beat 6-2, 6-1.
“I’m always in a rush,” Youri said about finishing first in doubles and singles against both teams. “No, no, I just try to play as aggressively as I can and it just so happens that the match finished quickly. I just tried to stand on business, do my job and just focus.”
Despite the match being an exhibition for St. Mary’s, these matchups were part of UTSA’s regular spring season, so the Roadrunners had to battle both teams and win to maintain their six-game winning streak.
“We’re definitely very confident. I think it’s good to win these matches before going on to the tougher ones, we have good team morale,” Youri said of the team’s 6-0 start.
“I wouldn’t do anything different. I think right now it’s working. If it doesn’t work for the next match, then I will try and adjust and change something,” Youri said regarding her work ethic as she gears up to prepare for her next match.
UTSA will take on Abilene Christian University at 11 a.m. Saturday at UTSA Tennis Center.