The San José State women’s tennis team continued its dominant Mountain West campaign with a 4-0 victory over Wyoming on Friday at the Spartan Tennis Complex.
The Spartans (12-1, 3-0 MW) celebrated their first win over the Cowgirls (3-12, 0-3 MW) since 2021, maintaining their undefeated record at home, 8-0.
SJSU gained momentum with help from freshmen Soledad Fayos Capilla and Emma Fantousis, who made quick work of their match, winning 6-0.
However, that momentum began to shift after sophomore Cheuk Ying Shek and senior Carla Urchoeguia faced a tough loss 6-0 to the Cowgirls.
SJSU head coach Chad Skorupka was surprised by the results of the doubles matches especially, seeing the top pair struggle while the third team delivered a decisive win.
“I was shocked the number one team lost 0-6, though you know I was shocked when we won at 6-0 at three but you know it’s a team sport at the end,” Skorupka said. ”It’s a team score, you gotta get two out of three to get to one point.”
Although the earlier matches had surprising outcomes, the Spartans stayed focused on securing the doubles point.
Senior Olaya Bances Iglesias and sophomore Duru Durgun fought in a tense deciding match ultimately clinching the point for the Spartans 7-5.
The pair continues to be unbeaten in conference doubles and has earned the doubles point for the Spartans three times this season.
“Me and Duru have a good friendship,” Iglesias said. “On the courts, I think that plays a huge role because we have each other's back, maybe I’m not feeling it and she is and we just talk through points.”
With the doubles point secured, the Spartans entered the singles play with determination as fourth singles as Iglesias set the tone with a 6-0 and 6-3 win.
In the fifth singles set Fantousis followed with a 6-3, 6-2 victory further solidifying SJSU’s control through combating power with consistent rallies.
Skorupka praised Fantousis for her success in the game and her improvement throughout the season.
“It’s great to see Emma, the freshman at five come back and finish that match because she’s good,” Skorupka said. “She’s been struggling a little bit with some of the results but, today was her day.”
The team’s chemistry was evident throughout the match, as players continuously supported one another even while playing.
Durgun, emphasized how crucial the team’s mental support was, helping her overcome physical limitations and stay focused.
Despite battling illness, Durgun maintained constant pressure on the Cowgirls using precise shot placement to control the tempo of the match.
“I told myself I really gotta fight on the court and make it as long as possible,” Durgun said. “Obviously, I couldn’t play at 100% but I fought for every point. I told myself mentally just gotta keep going, even if somebody is losing I’m shouting from court six let’s go, let’s go, you go this. It elevates us.”
Urchoeguia extended the Spartan’s singles success with a remarkable four-match winning streak, with her latest victory match 6-2, 6-3 to the Cowgirls.
The Spartan's win against the Cowgirls furthers their dominance in the conference as they prepare for their future matchups of the season.
Skorupka commended the team for their resilience throughout the match and recognized the team’s performance in the conference this season, but stressed the need for improvements.
“I think individually we gotta work on being a little bit more mentally tough and some of our responses to some of our points are a little bit too long drawn out … We have to play a little bit tougher and fiercer at home you know, enjoy playing on our home courts.”
SJSU will return home to face San Diego State on April 6 at noon, looking to maintain their record and extend their winning streak.
