BOX SCORE

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The top doubles team for the Dominican University of California women's tennis team remained undefeated this season but their teammates struggled on Friday in an 8-1 loss to UC San Diego, the 17th ranked team in the country, at the Grand Canyon University tournament.

Sophomore Irina Morozova and junior Gaby Verspieren defeated the Tritons' No. 1 doubles tandem of Melissa Breisacher and Jacquelyn Davis 8-6. It was the third consecutive victory by the Lady Penguins' No. 1 duo this season.

“We're proud of our No. 1 doubles team for playing a mentally, very challenging match today and coming out on top,” said Head Coach Greg Kennett. “Our singles, overall, fought hard but need to fight harder. We know we can compete with these teams.”

Morozova and Verspieren both suffered tough three-set losses in their singles matches at Paseo Racquet Club after winning the opening sets. Morozova fell victim to Breisacher, UCSD's No. 1 singles player, 5-7, 6-2, 10-5 while Verspieren bowed to Tritons' freshman Melinda Chu 4-6, 6-4, 10-4 in No. 2 singles.

Two other Lady Penguins enjoyed limited success. Senior Jamie Fernandez won three games in her match at No. 4 singles and teamed with freshman Jobeth Pascual to claim a couple of games in their No. 2 doubles match.

Dominican (0-3) returns to the courts on Saturday for a pair of matches against Pacific West Conference opponents. The Lady Penguins play Chaminade University at 12:30 p.m. and Dixie State College at 6:30 p.m.

On Sunday, the final day of the five-day Grand Canyon tournament, Dominican will meet  Montana State Billings at 12:30 p.m.