FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (February 27, 2021) – After dropping the doubles point for the first time at home this season, the Northern Arizona women's tennis team faced quite a challenge in its effort to continue its win streak in Flagstaff.
While
Ava Neyestani evened up the team score with a quick win at No. 4, the final three singles matches of the day provided the Lumberjacks with a fantastic test against the Wyoming Cowgirls (4-4).
Gina Dittmann,
Elinor Beazley and
Madi Moore all came away with third-set victories to close out the afternoon with a 5-2 win as the Lumberjacks (4-3) extended their home winning streak to 14 matches dating back to 2019.
"Even though the score was 5-2, it felt like a battle," said NAU head coach
Ewa Bogusz. "On some lines we had to really step it up. We really had to not only show up, but maintain the level for a long time."
With the match even at 2-2, it was Dittmann who wrapped up her victory first to push NAU in front at 3-2, the team's first lead of the day. Riding a three-match win streak into the day, the freshman dropped her first set 6-2, just her third set lost this season.
However, a pair of 6-3 victories in the second and third pushed Dittmann to her fifth victory at No. 1 this year as the freshman continued to prove how talented she is just seven matches into her NAU career.
As Dittmann won her final two sets with some separation, Beazley and Moore were in fights to extend their matches at No. 5 and No. 6.
Both trailing after falling in their opening sets, the pair of Lumberjacks each needed a tiebreaker in the second to even the matches at one set apiece. Posting identical 7-6 (7-4) wins in the second, Beazley and Moore put NAU in position to come away with the team victory if just one could close out a third set.
Instead, Beazley clinched the match with a 6-4 win just as Moore wrapped up her own victory with a 6-4 third set.
For all three, Dittmann, Beazley and Moore, Saturday's wins were their first of the season in a third set.
"What we faced today was exactly what we needed," Bosugz said. "The level of play was good and I liked that we faced those tough matches so we are better prepared for the next ones to come. This is what I expect next weekend, but we are ready."
Neyestani locked up her second consecutive singles victory with a 6-3, 6-1 win on Court 4, while
Mimi Bland accounted for NAU's other point with a 6-1, 7-6 (7-3) victory on Court 3.
The Lumberjacks remain at home this week, as they host the New Mexico Lobos at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 7. Currently 4-2 this season, the Lobos enter the weekend following an off week after playing four matches across six days between Feb. 21 and Feb. 26.
NAU and New Mexico faced off last season just before cancellations hit, with the Lumberjacks winning 4-2. Bland earned a victory at No. 5 last year while
Ellie Millard's match was left unfinished at a 2-2 tie in the third set. Bland and Beazley also won their respective doubles matches, helping the Lumberjacks clinch the doubles point.
Match Results:
Doubles:
