SAN ANGELO, Texas — Southwestern women's tennis opened its fall season at the Angelo State University Slam Fest, competing against higher divisions of competition.
Nina Mitrofanova lost two matches, falling to NCAA Division I opponent Allison Stewart, and NCAA Division II opponent Dianela Rodriguez in Flight 1.
Taylor Despriet took NCAA Division II opponent Ena Ovcina of Angelo State to three sets, losing 11-9 in the final set. She recovered to defeat NCAA Division I Tarleton State's Natalia Komar (3-6, 7-5 [10-4]) before losing to Komar's teammate, Elsa Boisson (4-6, 6-4 [10-8]).
"Taylor was a standout for us this weekend going to third sets in all three singles matches in the second flight," Southwestern head women's tennis coach Billy Porter says. "She made a strong impression and hopefully she can continue to build off of it."
Lydia Lee lost her first match to Texas State's Sofia Fortuno in three sets (3-6, 6-2 [10-8]), defeated Angelo State's Eva Schwartz (6-0, 6-2), then lost to Texas State's Maria Andrea Lora Meza in Flight 3.
Mitrofanova and Lee lost both matches in Flight 1 doubles.
Alli Ziehm won her first match in Flight 4, defeating Abilene Christian University's Anna Hosking in three sets (6-3, 1-6 [10-6]), then losing to Jadeh Chan (5-7, 2-6), followed by a loss to Texas State's Renata Gonzalez (2-6, 2-6)
Lauren Chisholm won Flight 5, going 3-0 with victories over Kylee Shannon, Rosemary Watanabe, and Alexandra Vishnevskaya. Chandler Vrba went 0-3 against the same opponents.
"Lauren won her singles flight and had a great weekend overall," Porter says. "She overcame a tough overrule in a 10-point breaker, demonstrating some mental toughness."
Emma Kesterson defeated Boisson in three sets (6-2, 3-6 [10-4]), then lost to Ileana Mocciola in two sets. She lost her third match to Ovcina in three sets (6-2, 5-7 [10-7]). She also teamed with Ziehm to defeat Abilene Christian University's Paula Garrote and Andrea Guerrero.
"Emma played two very good singles matches and scored a huge doubles win with Alli over a D1," Porter says. "They continue to be a great team and it showed this weekend."
The Southwestern women's tennis team will travel to Houston, Texas, to compete in the ITA Regional Championships from Oct. 1-3.