The Bakersfield College women’s tennis team was defeated by Santa Monica College on Feb.13, with an overall score of 6-3. Santa Monica won two of the three doubles matches, while taking four of six singles matches. With the loss, BC dropped to 2-4 (win-loss) on the young season.

Despite the result, several exciting matches with fierce competition took place throughout the courts. In the #1 singles match, BC’s Hannah Kratt defeated Santa Monica’s Anaya Ayanbadejo 7-5, 2-6, and 10-8 in a nail-biting tiebreaker.

On the doubles side, BC players Kiana Lua & Niki Rusinová had a tough match, as they were defeated in the #1 match against Ayanbadejo and Mia Ogebee by a score of 1-8.

When asked what their goals and aspirations for the season were, head coach Marc Gomez responded by saying “they hope to improve,” while also hoping that “every girl comes to our program to work hard.” By the end of April, they “hope to improve in games and be the best tennis players… [while also] enjoying the game. Gomez wants the team to “be competitive [while taking] care of themselves each day.”

Niki Rusinová is an international first-year student studying Kinesiology. Getting to know how her season is coming along, Rusinová said it’s been “pretty good, with this being only the third conference game.” While asking her if she had any pregame mental tips that motivate her, Rusinová responded by saying, “music & warming up with teammates.”

If anyone is looking to continue tennis as a professional, Rusinová said you must “believe in yourself, and even if you’re not the best, show you want to play & compete.” That is a fantastic way to see which athletes want to keep going and continue to play at the next levels. When asked what she prefers between singles and doubles matches, Rusinová said she mainly enjoys doubles, but also prefers singles based on “different styles.”

Everyone on the team has their personal goals for their season, and for the team overall, winning as much as possible in conference play is the goal. Their next match is on Feb. 14 against Reedley here at BC!