The Bruins delivered strong performances in both doubles and singles, keeping their momentum alive as the postseason nears.
The stands were filled with energy as fans from both sides came out in full force for the crosstown showdown. The Bruins fed off the home crowd, starting the afternoon with a dominant showing in doubles.
On court one, the No. 18 pair of Elise Wagle and Kimmi Hance played with aggressive offense, defeating USC’s Grace Piper and Lily Fairclough 6-4. On court two, Kate Fakih and Olivia Center displayed impressive consistency and defensive strength, overpowering Jana Hossam and Sloane Morra 6-2. UCLA clinched the doubles point early, despite the third match between Anne-Christine Lutkemeyer and Ahmani Guichard against USC’s duo going unfinished.
With a 1-0 lead, the Bruins carried their energy into singles play. Hance was sharp on court two, defeating USC’s Emma Charney 6-4, 6-2 in straight sets. On court four, Fakih fought through a tight first-set tiebreaker to win 7-6, then closed it out 6-4 in the second. Center claimed a convincing two-set win on courts six, which gave the Bruins the four points needed for the victory.
USC earned wins on court one and court five where Lutkemeyer and Guichard fell in hard-fought matches. Wagle bounced back after dropping the first set to take the second set 6-1, with her third set against USC’s Immi Haddad going unfinished as the overall result had been decided.
With this victory, UCLA now turns their focus to an upcoming matchup against Maryland on April 18, ready to extend their streak and solidify their postseason standing.
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Featured Image Photographed by Brianna Carlson/Daily Bruin
