Buffs Take Down Hawkeyes

IOWA CITY – Colorado women's tennis team picked up a big 4-3 win on the road Sunday afternoon against the University of Iowa.

The Buffaloes (6-3) clinched the match against the Hawkeyes (2-5) at a 4-2 score as Megan Forster sealed the win in the No.6 singles match. The sophomore had a strong first set with a 6-1 win, then dropped the second in a close 7-6 set. She returned back to form in the third, taking the win for Colorado with a 6-1 third set victory.

"I'm very pleased with doubles today," said Head Coach Danielle Steinberg. "Things are finally starting to click and we are getting more disciplined with every match we play."

CU kicked things off taking the doubles point as Sophia Derivan and Ky Ecton took the No.2 doubles match 6-2. The 31^st-ranked duo of Monica Malinen and Sara Nayar clinched the point in the No.1 doubles match with a 6-4 victory.

The Buffs also were tied 6-6 when the point was clinched in the No.3 match as Tallulah Farrow and Antonia Balzert teamed up.

Derivan continued her reign on singles matches as she took the first match in the No.3 position. She defeated Ashleigh Jacobs 6-3, 6-2 to improve to 8-1 in dual matches. She was joined by Balzert who extended her record in duals to 7-2 as she took the No.2 singles match against Samantha Manniz 6-2, 7-6.

"I'm happy with how we started off singles on most courts," said Steinberg. "That is something we wanted to improve after last weekend. Toni and Sophia played another very solid match and it's great to see both of them getting more comfortable and confident out there. Megan had a great week of practice and it translates to a very confident third set. It was great seeing her pull through that one."

Iowa tied things up momentarily at 2-2 after Monica Malinen fell in the No.1 match 6-2, 6-2 to Elise Van Heuvelen. Maria Campos also suffered a defeat as Iowa notched things up as Danielle Bauers took the No.5 match 6-3, 4-6, 6-1. The final match of the day saw the return of Sara Nayar to singles play where she fell to Michelle Bacalla in the No.4 match 6-4, 3-6, 7-5.

Colorado returns home for three-straight matches as the team closes out the non-conference schedule. The Buffs first opponent back will be Wyoming on Saturday, Feb. 22, at noon.

RESULTS

Singles
1. Elise Van Heuvelen (IOWA) def. Monica Malinen (COLO) 6-2, 6-2
2. Antonia Balzert (COLO) def. Samantha Mannix (IOWA) 6-2, 7-6
3. Sophia Derivan (COLO) def. Ashleigh Jacobs (IOWA) 6-3, 6-2
4. Michelle Bacalla (IOWA) def. Sara Nayar (COLO) 6-4, 3-6, 7-5
5. Danielle Bauers (IOWA) def. Maria Campos (COLO) 6-3, 4-6, 6-1
6. Megan Forster (COLO) def. Danielle Burich (IOWA) 6-1, 6-7, 6-1

Order of finish: 3, 1, 5, 2, 6, 4
Doubles
1. #31 Nayar/Malinen (COLO) def. Michelle Bacalla/Elise Van Heuvelen (IOWA) 6-4
2. Ecton/Derivan (COLO) def. Ashleigh Jacobs/Danielle Bauers (IOWA) 6-2
3. Danielle Burich/Samantha Mannix (IOWA) vs. Balzert/Farrow (COLO) 6-6, unfinished

Order of finish: 2, 1

Next Event

Team Stats

Players Mentioned

Antonia Balzert

Maria Campos

Sophia Derivan

Ky Ecton

Tallulah Farrow

Megan Forster

Monica Malinen

Sara Nayar