UC Davis’ struggle to close out tight matches in their nine past encounters on the road persisted this past weekend in Fresno. The Aggies fell to 1-10 away from home while moving to a 3-13 overall record.
Fresno State captured the doubles matches to earn the first point of the evening. Junior Toki Sherkabov and senior Josh Albert displayed their best showing at the No. 1 doubles showing before falling 8-5 in the third-set tiebreak.
The Bulldogs’ momentum continued in the singles play, where they posted a victory at the No. 5 singles spot after three straight-set victories. Hugo Verdi-Fortin extended his No. 4 singles match into a third set before being retired.
Sophomore Kyle Miller was the highlight of UC Davis’ performance, as he battled for a three-set victory at the No. 2 singles spot. He trailed 6-3, 5-2 in the second set and saved a match point before making a comeback and capturing a 3-6, 7-6, (10-8) win against David Ayoun.
“He displayed tremendous poise and composure out there,” coach Daryl Lee said. “Those are the two key factors that helped turn that match around.”
Despite the Aggies’ early-season woes, Lee stresses the fact that the team has shown up to matches and given high-ranked teams tough fights.
“In the singles, we went to three sets against No. 4 Hugo and No. 6 Georgia,” Lee said. “Players have been playing well across the matches.”
The Aggies will look to snap their nine-match losing streak this week against UC Riverside on Saturday.
“Riverside is a good team,” said Lee. “It won’t be an easy match, but I think they’re going to be ready to play.”
VEENA BANSAL can be reached at sports@theaggie.org.
