At home earlier this season, junior Tori Miclat gears up to ace a serve. (Ari Davis)
The BYU women's tennis team lost to in-state rival University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Wednesday night in the Deseret First Credit Union Duel. The final score was 7-0.
The Utes came out of the gate 'hungry' said BYU head coach Lauren Jones-Spencer.
'They played to win,' said Spencer. 'We just didn't step up or play our best tennis today.'
Dominating the doubles competition, Utah came out victor in both matches. Mayci Jones and Toby Miclat lost 6-1 and Natella Nabieva and Erica Chichoni fell 6-3.
The Utes continued to overpower the Cougars going into the singles play as well. Miclat lost in two sets (6-0, 6-3), as did Nicolette Poulsen (6-1, 6-4) and Savannah Ware (6-0, 6-3)
With that momentum, the University of Utah clinched the rest of the match, beating Jones (6-2, 6-2). Nabieva also fell (6-2, 7-6 ). Playing for the Cougs for the first time this season, Chichoni lost in three sets (2-6, 6-4, 10-6).
The team looks forward to the chance to rebound next week, hosting San Francisco at home on Tuesday March 1 at 11 A.M. MST.
'We're going to have to turn it around and play harder in our next match,' Jones said.
Admission is free and pizza will be provided.