Conway, Ark. - The University of Central Arkansas is back on the tennis courts, and they are picking up right where they left off.
Before COVID-19 canceled more than half of the 2019-20 season, the Bears were riding high with an 8 match win streak. However, no cancelations can stop UCA's string of success as they dominated on the first day of the UCA 1st Fall Invitational.
Flight 1:
The first flight was all Bears, thanks to a combined 2-0 start from sophomore Fuka Nonoyama and freshman Maja Gledic. Nonoyama trounced Missouri State's Anna Alons as she took the first two games 6-3, 6-3. For Gledic, the task seemed more daunting as she had to fight it out in three games. However, that third game was all Gledic as she came out strong early to win the final game 10-3.
Flight 2:
Gledic continued her string of success over to the second flight as she took on Ellie Burger of Missouri State. With momentum from the three-game match, she took care of Burger in two games, 6-1, 6-4. The Bears only continued to show that this was their place of business when Yada Vasupongchai made it 3-0 for UCA on the day. Vasuponchai claimed a clean sweep as she dominated the match 6-1, 6-1.
Flight 3:
Freshmen Jaeun Lee got caught up in a nailbiter as she came back in the match after being down one game to none. She quickly came around and became a force as she took the last sets, 7-5 and 10-2.
Flight 4:
Lee's ferocity continued as she took the first match of the four flight in two games. Along with Lee, freshman Sumomo Hamanaga made her presence known as she defeated Louisana-Monroe's Daniela Hernandez in three games.
Flight 6:
Hamanaga once again took care of business in the sixth flight with the day's most decisive victory. She took on Claire Martin from Missouri State and made quick work of her with a 6-1, 6-0 victory.
Flight 1 Doubles:
The dynamic duo of Chunxi Xin and Nonoyama was one of the most formidable forces in the Southland Conference and year ago, and they didn't miss a step today. They took on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's No. 1 doubles and finished them off 8-6.
Flight 2 Doubles:
In similar fashion to the previous doubles, Mei Ishimura and Vasupongchai showcased their abilities against UTC. The team came up with a decisive 8-6 victory.
Flight 3 Doubles:
The freshman pairing of Gledic and Hamanaga made the final appearance for the Bears and did not disappoint. They defeated the third straight UTC team to make the Bears undefeated in doubles play.
Up Next:
UCA will continue onward with the second day of the UCA 1st Fall Invitational. The invitational will start up tomorrow at 9 a.m. in the Conway Tennis Center.
