Washington State Box Score
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -The Boilermakers extended their winning streak to five after defeating Washington State at the Schwartz Tennis Center on Friday. It is the first time since 2010 that Purdue has started the season 5-0; that season, the team won nine matches before losing to No. 1 Northwestern.
The women's tennis team also continued its five-match streak of securing the doubles point Friday.
Rafaella Baquerizo and Nicole Robinson earned the first doubles win for Purdue. At 5-2 with Baquerizo serving, the duo went up three quick points before Robinson hit a return deep. Baquerizo then sent a forehand to Washington State who returned it into the net, ending the game and the match at 6-2.
Caitlin Calkins and Natalia Davila's path was more treacherous, however. The newest pairing for the team found themselves is a battle with Washington State. After gaining a 5-3 lead, the Boilermakers were broken by the Cougars as Washington State overcame two match-points. The Cougars then held serve, giving up only one point in the game. At five all, the teams exchanged points to 40-40; Purdue then picked up the next and clinched the game, match and doubles point with no-ad scoring in effect. Purdue led Washington 1-0 heading into the break.
Deborah Suarez, the senior from Southwest Ranches, Florida, made her first appearance of the spring season in singles. She competed in the No. 5 position against Colic, and provided the Boilermakers a much needed win.
The team struggled in each opening set, winning only three of the six - a season low for the Boilermakers. Baquerizo and Robinson were able to break through, ultimately winning their matches 6-2, 6-1 and 7-6, 6-1, respectively.
With the remaining four matches in jeopardy, Suarez battled back after dropping the first set to win 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.
"There was a lot of intensity in today's match," Suarez said. "My opponent played great, but I was able to pick it up and really move her around the court in the second and third sets. The crowd was really into it; my teammates were fighting hard. It was a great day today."
The team finished 6-1 against the Cougars, as Alex Sabe and Davilia earned points for the Boilermakers.
Purdue leaves for Dartmoth tomorrow, facing the Big Green in Hanover, New Hampshire, at 11 a.m. Sunday.
