UCLA Women’s Tennis Dominates Minnesota with Impressive 4-0 Victory
Los Angeles, CA – The No. 24-ranked UCLA women’s tennis team delivered an impressive performance, overpowering the Minnesota Golden Gophers with a commanding 4-0 victory at the Los Angeles Tennis Center. The Bruins displayed their dominance by surrendering a mere five total games in their completed singles matches, showcasing not only skill but remarkable teamwork.
A Winning Streak in Los Angeles
In what was a high-stakes clash in Big Ten Conference play, the Bruins improved their dual-match record to 10-7, with a 5-3 mark in the conference. The day’s standout was Kate Fakih, who clinched her second consecutive match victory, proving to be a reliable force for the squad. Joining her in the singles wins were teammates Bianca Fernandez and Anne-Christine Lutkemeyer, both of whom delivered decisive victories.
Doubles Dominance Sets the Stage
The match commenced with doubles action, where the Bruins seized control right from the start. On Court 2, the formidable duo of Fakih and Olivia Center, currently ranked third nationally, broke their opponents’ serve early and cruised to a 6-4 victory, thus clinching the doubles point for UCLA. This pair has already proven to be crucial, having claimed a team-high seven doubles points throughout the season.
On Court 3, the combination of Ahmani Guichard and Lutkemeyer showcased their skills by winning the final three games—including two crucial breaks of serve—to secure a 6-3 triumph over Aiva Schmitz and Arina Valitova. With a stellar record of 24-7 this season, the Guichard/Lutkemeyer team is setting the stage for further successes.
Singles Showdown: Quick and Convincing
UCLA’s singles play was nothing short of spectacular. They won all six first sets decisively, with scores of 6-0 or 6-1. Lutkemeyer, ranked No. 22, wasted no time in taking down Schmitz with a dominating 6-0, 6-1 scoreline, marking her seventh win in eight matches.
Fernandez showcased her tenacity in her first match since March 14, perfectly mirroring Lutkemeyer’s performance by dismantling Deniz Turan with another 6-0, 6-1 victory on Court 6. This marked her first dual-match win of the season, which is bound to bolster her confidence moving forward.
Fakih, ranked No. 44, continued her remarkable form by clinching the decisive fourth point against Sofia Pinto, finishing with a 6-0, 6-3 scoreline. This victory is notable as it represents her fourth clinching point of the year, solidifying her strategic role in the team’s successes.
Looking Ahead: Bruin Spirit on the Road
Following this commanding performance, the Bruins are poised for upcoming challenges in the Midwest. They will face off against Iowa on Friday, April 11, at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex, with the first serve scheduled for 3 p.m. PT. This will be followed by a visit to Nebraska’s Sid and Hazel Dillon Tennis Center on Sunday, April 13, at 10 a.m. PT.
Final Match Highlights
Match Result: UCLA vs. Minnesota (April 6, 2025)
- Score: UCLA 4, Minnesota 0
Singles Competition:
- Lutkemeyer (UCLA) def. Schmitz (MINN) 6-0, 6-1
- Wagle (UCLA) vs. Liepert (MINN) 6-1, 4-3 (unfinished)
- Fakih (UCLA) def. Pinto (MINN) 6-0, 6-3
- Guichard (UCLA) vs. Valitova (MINN) 6-0, 5-3 (unfinished)
- Center (UCLA) vs. Ante (MINN) 6-1, 5-4 (unfinished)
- Fernandez (UCLA) def. Turan (MINN) 6-0, 6-1
- Doubles Competition:
- Hance/Wagle (UCLA) vs. Kocevar/Liepert (MINN) 5-4 (unfinished)
- Center/Fakih (UCLA) def. Ante/Pinto (MINN) 6-4
- Guichard/Lutkemeyer (UCLA) def. Schmitz/Valitova (MINN) 6-3
Match Notes:
- Minnesota Record: 9-13
- UCLA Record: 10-7; Nationally Ranked #24
With such an impressive showing, the UCLA women’s tennis team proves that they are a force to be reckoned with as they head into crucial matches. Keep following the Bruins as they continue their quest for excellence throughout the season!
