TUCSON, Ariz. – The Sand Cats battled through a doubleheader on the opening day of the Arizona State Tournament, facing Cal Poly in the morning before bouncing back against Coastal Carolina in the afternoon.

Arizona fought hard but fell 4-1 to Cal Poly in the opening match, before securing a clutch 3-2 victory over Coastal Carolina in the second duel of the day.

The Sand Cats opened their day against Cal Poly and ultimately came up short. Ashlyn Zilliken and Madeline Walker were a highlight for Arizona, dominating their match against Madi Nichols and Quinn Perry in straight sets (21-17, 21-13) to put a point on the board for the Wildcats.

Adri Nieves Papaleo and Kate Phillips put up a strong fight against Piper Ferch and Erin Inskeep, forcing a tight second set before Cal Poly beat them out 21-19, 22-20.

Kylee Fitzsimmons and Brooke Blutreich also battled through a close first set against Izzy Martinez and Logan Walter but couldn't hold them off, falling 22-20, 21-16.

Annie Kost and Elin Kaiser struggled against Ella Connor and Katie Clevenger, dropping in straight sets (21-15, 21-16).

Jamie Streit and Katie Lambeth pushed their match to three sets, winning the second 21-18. However, Cal Poly responded in the third, taking it 15-10 to end the match.

Despite the 4-1 loss, the Sand Cats showed grit, with multiple pairs pushing the Mustangs in tightly contested sets.

The Sand Cats rebounded in the afternoon, securing a 3-2 victory over Coastal Carolina with clutch performances across the lineup.

Annie Kost and Elin Kaiser led the way with a dominant performance, sweeping Ava Novello and Raychel Ehlers in straight sets (21-15, 21-14) to secure Arizona's first point.

Ashlyn Zilliken and Madeline Walker followed strong, grinding out a victory over Celia Ryan and Karis Gordon (22-20, 23-21).

Kylee Fitzsimmons and Brooke Blutreich delivered in a crucial matchup, pushing past Anna Rita and Madeline Sigmon (23-21, 21-17) to clinch the win for Arizona.

Despite the win, Adri Nieves Papaleo and Kate Phillips fell in a three-set battle (21-17, 7-21, 15-12) against Frida Meincke Lyo and Emma Kunaus.

Jamie Streit and Katie Lambeth fought hard, forcing Coastal Carolina into three sets but dropping 21-18, 21-18 to Kristyna Koblizkova and Maya McNabney.

The Wildcats split their opening matches at the Arizona State Tournament, showing resilience after a tough loss to Cal Poly before bouncing back with a strong win over Coastal Carolina. Arizona will look to carry this momentum into the next round of matches at the LBSU tournament March 15-16 in Long Beach, California. 

Arizona – 1, Cal Poly – 4

Court 1: Piper Ferch / Erin Inskeep (CP) def. Adri Nieves Papaleo / Kate Phillips (ARIZ) 21-19, 22-20
Court 2: Izzy Martinez / Logan Walter (CP) def. Kylee Fitzsimmons / Brooke Blutreich (ARIZ) 22-20, 21-16
Court 3: Ashlyn Zilliken / Madeline Walker (ARIZ) def. Madi Nichols / Quinn Perry (CP) 21-17, 21-13
Court 4: Ella Connor / Katie Clevenger (CP) def. Annie Kost / Elin Kaiser (ARIZ) 21-15, 21-16
Court 5: Abbey Reinard / Elise Lenahan (CP) def. Jamie Streit / Katie Lambeth (ARIZ) 17-21, 21-18, 15-10

Arizona – 3, Coastal Carolina – 2

Court 1: Frida Meincke Lyo / Emma Kunaus (CCU) def. Adri Nieves Papaleo / Kate Phillips (ARIZ) 21-17, 7-21, 15-12
Court 2: Kylee Fitzsimmons / Brooke Blutreich (ARIZ) def. Anna Rita / Madeline Sigmon (CCU) 23-21, 21-17
Court 3: Ashlyn Zilliken / Madeline Walker (ARIZ) def. Celia Ryan / Karis Gordon (CCU) 22-20, 23-21
Court 4: Annie Kost / Elin Kaiser (ARIZ) def. Ava Novello / Raychel Ehlers (CCU) 21-15, 21-14
Court 5: Kristyna Koblizkova / Maya McNabney (CCU) def. Jamie Streit / Katie Lambeth (ARIZ) 21-18, 21-18