The women’s tennis team remained undefeated until its last match of spring break, when Yale fell to the University of San Diego.
But the nationally ranked No. 40 Bulldogs (13-1) dispatched DePaul University, No. 60 University of California–Irvine and California State University–Northridge.
On March 9, the Bulldogs beat DePaul 6-1, losing only a tough No. 4 singles match. Karlyn Martin ’04 was edged by Natalie Matko of DePaul, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3. Yale captain and nationally ranked No. 68 Biffy Kaufman ’03 was forced into a third set for only the second time this season, but she still won 7-5, 5-7, 6-1.
March 12, the Elis bested UC Irvine 5-2. Karlyn Martin rebounded with a sound 6-4, 6-1 victory at fourth in addition to teaming with Kaufman for an 8-5 win at first doubles.
The following day, Yale trounced California State University–Northridge 6-1. Margaret Purcell ’04 lost a tight two set match at first singles, 7-6 (2), 6-4. Purcell and Ashley Martin ’04 won 8-6 at third doubles, and Ashley also managed a 6-4, 5-7, 10-8 victory at No. 6 singles.
The trip would not end on a high note, though; Yale lost its first match of the season 4-3 to the University of San Diego March 19.
Kaufman lost a tight 7-5, 7-6 (5) match at No. 1 singles. Purcell won No. 2 singles when her opponent retired. Twin sisters Ashley Martin ’03 and Karlyn Martin both picked up three set victories, but the Bulldogs lost the doubles point.
Individually, No. 115 Stephanie White ’05 improved to 15-2 with three victories and one loss during the West Coast trip. No. 68 Kaufman also went 3-1 during the return to her home state, making her singles record 13-2. The No. 58 doubles combination of Purcell and Ashley Martin lost its first match of the season, bringing its record to 10-1.