In a match filled with momentum swings and high emotion, CSUN Women’s Tennis defeated Cal State Fullerton 4-3 on Thursday afternoon at the Barnes Tennis Center. The first-round Big West Championship duel was decided by the final singles match, where CSUN’s Emma Moratalla Sanz outlasted Milena Gevorgyan in three sets to seal the win.
With the score tied 3-3, all eyes turned to Court No. 5. After splitting the first two sets, Moratalla Sanz surged ahead in the third to win 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 and send the Matadors into the next round.
How It Happened
CSUN began the day by taking the doubles point. Moratalla Sanz and Elena Goodman made quick work of Mariia Nikitash and Diana Yanotovskaya with a 6-1 win. Fullerton responded as Gevorgyan and Sein Myoung defeated Angela Ho and Victoria Santibanez Luna 6-3.
The doubles point came down to Court No. 3. Madison Shepperson and Yuliia Zhytelna clinched it for CSUN with a 6-4 victory over Kaytlin Taylor and Seha Yu. It marked the 10th win of the season for the Shepperson-Zhytelna duo.
In singles play, Fullerton tied the match early when Yu beat Santibanez Luna 6-1, 6-3. Ho gave CSUN the lead back by defeating Yanotovskaya 6-4, 6-2 on Court No. 3.
The Titans responded on Court No. 1, with Myoung topping Zhytelna 7-5, 6-1 to make it 2-2.
CSUN went ahead again on Court No. 4 as Goodman claimed a straight-set win over Nikitash, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2. After the match, Goodman praised the team’s energy, saying, “It really felt like there was so much belief and passion on every court. Emma and I had so much fun during doubles, and I think that helped us play freely.”
Fullerton wasn’t done yet. Taylor defeated Shepperson in a close battle on Court No. 6, winning 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) to even the match once again at 3-3.
That set the stage for Moratalla Sanz, who rose to the occasion and delivered the clinching point for the Matadors.
From the Coach
“Our kids showed a ton of resilience and overall toughness today,” said CSUN Head Coach Gary Victor. “I’m so proud of how they competed through injury, illness, and every challenge they faced. What a great moment for Emma — I’m really happy for her.”
Up Next
CSUN will face the Hawai’i Rainbow Wahine on Friday at noon. The Matadors are aiming to win two matches in the Big West Championship for the first time in program history.
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