RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The UC Riverside Highlanders Women's Tennis team took to the courts Thursday, January 30 for their 2020 season home opener against Hope International University. After dropping their first match of the season on the road last week against San Diego State University, the Highlanders were looking to come back strong and bounce back they as they defeated the Royals 7-0.
 
In Singles #1, Mahli Silpachai defeated Andgela Dejanovic 7-5, 6-2. The 7-5 game would be the closest the Royals would come to taking a set from the Highlanders, with UCR holding HIU to three points or less in every other game.
 
Speaking about his team's solid effort after today's victory, Highlanders' Head Coach, Mark Henry, commented, "The team did a good job of staying focused and we had very strong matches by Lauren Wolfe and Nicole Hitomi."
 
Wolfe won #5 Singles 6-0, 6-0, as well as securing a Doubles win alongside Lindsey Gelinas in the #3 spot. Hitomi clinched #6 Singles 6-1, 6-1.
 
The Highlanders are back in action tomorrow, Saturday, February 1, where they will face UC Davis at home on the campus of UC Riverside at 11:00 AM.