Senior Kennedy Buntrock secured a notable singles win, but the Cal Poly women’s tennis team was defeated by the University of San Diego at the Hogan Tennis Center on Sunday. The Mustangs, now 0-2 this season, lost 5-2 to the Toreros, who improved their record to 2-0.
Cal Poly dropped the doubles point after losses in both the No. 1 and No. 3 doubles matches, giving San Diego an early lead. The situation became more difficult for the Mustangs when they lost at both the No. 5 and No. 6 singles positions, allowing San Diego to take a commanding 3-0 advantage.
Despite trailing, Cal Poly continued to compete. At the top singles spot, Buntrock achieved a straight-set victory over Hannah Read, who is ranked 53rd nationally in the latest ITA individual rankings. Buntrock won with scores of 6-3 and 7-5 and remains undefeated in singles this season.
The remaining three singles matches went to a third set as Alexandra Ozerets, Candela Aparisi, and Jessica MacCallum attempted to mount a comeback for Cal Poly. However, MacCallum and Aparisi were both defeated in their deciding sets, allowing San Diego to secure the overall match win.
Ozerets managed to claim a win at No. 4 singles after her opponent retired while Ozerets was leading in the third set.
The Mustangs will return home to San Luis Obispo for their Big West Conference opener against UC Davis on Sunday, February 1 at Ronca Tennis Center.
