Completed Event: Women's Tennis versus California on May 1, 2026 , Loss , 1, to, 4
Final Score
Women's Tennis
1
vs California
4
The University of Utah Athletics
Utah Hits the Road for the First Time
6/21/1999 12:00 AM | Women's Tennis
February 25, 1999
This Week: The University of Utah women's tennis team (2-3) will leave the confines of the Eccles Tennis Center for the first time this season to travel to the University of Portland and Boise State University February 27 and 28.
About the Broncos: Boise State, like the Utes, is a young squad with five freshmen in its lineup. However, the Broncos seem to be coming of age. Although 1-5, BSU has lost tight matches to WAC powers Brigham Young and Tulsa of late. No. 1 singles player, Pia-Lena Ander is 4-2 and heads the Bronco charge.
About the Pilots: Portland has wasted no time gaining match experience early on this season with eight matches (6-2). The Pilots two losses came at the hands of PAC-10 schools Oregon and Washington.
About the Utes: Junior Megan Payne, ranked No. 52 nationally, continues to be the backbone of the youthful Ute squad. She is on an eight-match win streak. Senior Molly Sanderson and sophomore Heidi Thomas, the only other upperclassmen, have recently played some of their best tennis ever. The three returning Utes have helped the progression of freshmen Hillaree Hawkins, Linn Ronnberg, Irini Kotoglou, and Brooke Wilkinson, who have all shown they can win at this level and continue to improve with each match experience.
Previously: There is no question that the University of Utah women's tennis team plays a grueling schedule, facing nine ranked schools, but Utah State appeared to be a mere stepping stone as the Utes prepare for the road, with a 9-0 pummeling of the Aggies. Utah took command in every match, winning by straight -sets in each of the nine matches. At No. 1 singles, Linn Ronnberg out dualed Sarah Lowe, 6-1, 6-2. Molly Sanderson didn't relinquish a game at No. 2 singles, drubbing Mindy Nelson 6-0, 6-0. At No. 3 singles, Hillaree Hawkins blasted Amy Thatcher, 6-1, 6-4, while Heidi Thomas made quick work of Tracy Bertagna, 6-1, 6-2. Irini Kotoglou slugged her way past Jackie Ellis, 6-1, 6-2. In No. 6 singles action, Brooke Wilkinson improved to 2-1 on the season, cruising by Emily Watkins, 6-1, 6-0. Doubles proved much of the same for Utah. Megan Payne and Kotoglou upended Lowe-Thatcher, 8-4 at No. 1 doubles. Hawkins-Thomas paired up to defeat Nelson-Bertagna, 8-2 at No. 2, and Sanderson completed a night where here opponents went game-less, beating Ellis and Heather Dutson, along with teammate Ronnberg, 8-0.
Tsumas Talks: "Boise will be a challenge for us this week. We will try to gain confidence against Portland and be prepared to play great doubles against Boise State on Sunday."
Looking Ahead: Utah stays on the road, traveling to South Carolina and South Alabama, for matches on Mar. 5 and 7 at 1:30 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Utah Women's Tennis 25-26 Pronunciations
Thursday, September 11
Role models. Trailblazers. Legends. Celebrating our #AAPI student-athletes this month and always.
Monday, May 20
Recap: Utah women's tennis defends home court with victory over Oregon
Tuesday, May 14
A Chat with Anastasia and Mat
Wednesday, June 29