Buffs Fall to California in the Pac-12 Quarterfinals

OJAI, Calif. – The Colorado Buffaloes Tennis team’s run in the Pac-12 tournament came to an end in the quarterfinals Thursday, falling to California 4-0 here at the Weil Tennis Academy.

The Buffaloes (12-12, 3-9 Pac-12) close out the postseason tournament against California (12-8, 8-3 Pac-12) after winning the program’s first Pac-12 tournament match ever Wednesday against Oregon.  CU was unable to keep momentum going into the quarterfinals. 

The Golden Bears got off to a fast start getting the doubles point with two wins at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. While the Buffs won a couple of sets in singles, but were unable to fully take advantage and finish matches. California won three straight singles matches at No. 2, No. 3, and No. 6 to clinch the match and advance to the semifinals.  As has been the case multiple times this season, the 4-0 loss in the box score isn’t as bad as it sounds, as the Buffs had solid chances to each of the three unfinished singles matches and also held a 5-2 advantage in the remaining doubles match, as well.  

How it Happened 

• California got the evening started in doubles with a win at No. 3 doubles from Hannah Viller Moeller and Erin Richardson over Ellen Puzak and Betina Tokac 6-1.
• Minutes later the Golden Bears clinched the doubles point with a 6-2 victory at No. 2 doubles from Valentina Ivanov and Haley Giavara over Mila Stanojevic and Elys Ventura.
• Antonia Balzert and Aya El Sayed were one game away from defeating Jessica Alsola and Katja Wiersholm at No. 1 doubles leading 5-2 when the match was called.
• The momentum continued for California as singles began, extending it’s lead with a 6-0, 6-2 from Katja Wiersholm at No. 3 singles over Mila Stanojevic.
• Hannah Viller Moeller defeated Carri Hayes at No. 6 singles 6-2, 6-0 to extend the lead to 3-0 for the Golden Bears.
• California clinched the match at No. 2 singles behind a 6-4, 6-2 win from Jessica Alsola over Elys Ventura.
• Antonia Balzert and Haley Giavara were in a battle at No. 1 singles going into the third set after splitting the first two sets. Balzert won the first set 7-6 after coming back from being down 5-2 early. Giavara followed in the second set winning 6-0 to force a third set. The match was called before the third set began.
• At No. 4 singles Aya El Sayed was on pace to extend her winning streak at…