Buffs Fall to California in the Pac-12 Quarterfinals

OJAI, Calif. – The Colorado Buffaloes Tennis team's run in the Pac-12 tournament came to an end in the quarterfinals Thursday, falling to California 4-0 here at the Weil Tennis Academy.

The Buffaloes (12-12, 3-9 Pac-12) close out the postseason tournament against California (12-8, 8-3 Pac-12) after winning the program's first Pac-12 tournament match ever Wednesday against Oregon. CU was unable to keep momentum going into the quarterfinals.

The Golden Bears got off to a fast start getting the doubles point with two wins at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. While the Buffs won a couple of sets in singles, but were unable to fully take advantage and finish matches. California won three straight singles matches at No. 2, No. 3, and No. 6 to clinch the match and advance to the semifinals. As has been the case multiple times this season, the 4-0 loss in the box score isn't as bad as it sounds, as the Buffs had solid chances to each of the three unfinished singles matches and also held a 5-2 advantage in the remaining doubles match, as well.

How it Happened

California got the evening started in doubles with a win at No. 3 doubles from Hannah Viller Moeller and Erin Richardson over Ellen Puzak and Betina Tokac 6-1.
Minutes later the Golden Bears clinched the doubles point with a 6-2 victory at No. 2 doubles from Valentina Ivanov and Haley Giavara over Mila Stanojevic and Elys Ventura.
Antonia Balzert and Aya El Sayed were one game away from defeating Jessica Alsola and Katja Wiersholm at No. 1 doubles leading 5-2 when the match was called.
The momentum continued for California as singles began, extending it's lead with a 6-0, 6-2 from Katja Wiersholm at No. 3 singles over Mila Stanojevic.
Hannah Viller Moeller defeated Carri Hayes at No. 6 singles 6-2, 6-0 to extend the lead to 3-0 for the Golden Bears.
California clinched the match at No. 2 singles behind a 6-4, 6-2 win from Jessica Alsola over Elys Ventura.
Antonia Balzert and Haley Giavara were in a battle at No. 1 singles going into the third set after splitting the first two sets. Balzert won the first set 7-6 after coming back from being down 5-2 early. Giavara followed in the second set winning 6-0 to force a third set. The match was called before the third set began.
At No. 4 singles Aya El Sayed was on pace to extend her winning streak at No. 4 singles against Valentina Ivanov after winning the first set 6-3 and being in a tight second set being tied 4-4 when the match was clinched.
Betina Tokac and Berta Passola Folch were in a rollercoaster of a match at No. 5 singles, each taking a set each winning 6-4. As the match was set to begin the third set the match was clinched.

Results
Doubles
1. Antonia Balzert/Aya El Sayed (CU) v. Jessica Alsola/Katja Wiersholm, (CAL) 5-2 unf.
2. Valentina Ivanov/Haley Giavara (CAL) def. Elys Ventura/Mila Stanojevic (CU) 6-2
3. Hannah Viller Moeller/Erin Richardson (CAL) def. Ellen Puzak/Betina Tokac (CU) 6-1
Order of finish: 3, 2

Singles
1. Antonia Balzert (CU) v. Haley Giavara (CU) 7-6 (1), 0-6 unf.
2. Jessica Alsola (CAL) def. Elys Ventura (CU)6-4, 6-2
3. Katja Wiersholm (CAL) def. Mila Stanojevic (CU) 6-0, 6-2
4. Aya El Sayed (CU) v. Valentina Ivanov (CAL) 6-3, 4-4 unf.
5. Betina Tokac (CU) v. Berta Passola Folch (CAL) 4-6, 6-4 unf.
6. Hannah Viller Moeller (CAL) def. Carri Hayes (CU) 6-2, 6-0
Order of finish: 3, 6, 2

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Players Mentioned

Antonia Balzert

Aya El Sayed

Carri Hayes

Ellen Puzak

Mila Stanojevic

Betina Tokac

Elys Ventura