TUCSON, Ariz. – The Wildcats wrapped up their final home match of the season with a 4-1 win over UTEP on Friday afternoon at Bear Down Beach. The Sand Cats sent off their senior class with a memorable ceremony in front of family, friends, and fans.Â
The day began with a special Senior Day pregame ceremony, honoring the five Wildcat seniors who have made a lasting impact on the program.Â
Once the match began, Arizona came out ready to play. On court two, Adriana Nieves Papaleo and Kate Phillips set the tone early, scoring a dominant straight-set win over UTEP's Mila Popovic and Krista Paegle (21-13, 21-19).
Seniors Kylee Fitzsimmons and Brooke Blutreich followed up with a tight match against Madison Hill and Ema Uskokovic. The Arizona duo secured a 22-20, 23-21 win and another point for the Wildcats.
Ashlyn Zilliken and Madeline Walker delivered one of the strongest performances of the day on court three. The pair was in control from start to finish, defeating Paulina Acuna and Marian Ovalle in straight sets (21-19, 21-18) to clinch the duel for the Wildcats.Â
Court four saw a gritty effort from Annie Kost and Elin Kaiser. After dropping the second set, the pair regrouped and closed out a three-set victory over Lauren Perry and Emma Schubert (21-15, 18-21, 15-12).
UTEP's one point came on court five, where Kennedy Llewellyn and Reese Rich defeated Arizona's Brooke Boyko and Katie Lambeth in straight sets (21-13, 21-14).
With the 4-1 victory, Arizona ends its home season on a high note, celebrating a memorable Senior Day with strong performances across the board. The Sand Cats will now turn their attention to their next battle in Fort Worth, Texas for the Big 12 Tournament, which takes place April 24-25 and is hosted by TCU.
Arizona – 4, UTEP – 1
Court 1: Kylee Fitzsimmons / Brooke Blutreich (ARIZ) def. Madison Hill / Ema Uskokovic (UTEP) 22-20, 23-21
Court 2: Adriana Nieves Papaleo / Kate Phillips (ARIZ) def. Mila Popovic / Krista Paegle (UTEP) 21-13, 21-19
Court 3: Ashlyn Zilliken / Madeline Walker (ARIZ) def. Paulina Acuna / Marian Ovalle (UTEP) 21-19, 21-18
Court 4: Annie Kost / Elin Kaiser (ARIZ) def. Lauren Perry / Emma Schubert (UTEP) 21-15, 18-21, 15-12
Court 5: Kennedy Llewellyn / Reese Rich (UTEP) def. Brooke Boyko / Katie Lambeth (ARIZ) 21-13, 21-14