Women's tennis undefeated, clinch playoffs

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Resistance was futile as the Santa Monica College women's tennis team traveled to Santa Barbara City College in an attempt to push their perfect season record to 6-0.

"Going into the match I felt comfortable and thought the team was prepared," said Head Coach Richard Goldenson.

Goldenson's level of comfort toward the match was well founded as SMC won five of the six singles matches and all three doubles matches, steamrolling their way to a perfect 6-0 record on the season.

Captain Jessica Goldbeck made light work of her Vaquero opponent sweeping the match 6-0 and 6-0.

"The team has improved significantly," said Goldbeck. Goldbeck's flawless victory was not the only perfect performance on the day. Lady Corsairs Mary Ashmore and Izabel Nazdracheva also finished with perfect scores defeating their opponents 6-0 and 6-0 respectively.

SMC standout Victoria Mamatova secured her match 6-0 and 6-3 after some slight resistance in the second set by her SBCC opponent Kenzie Usher. Mamatova may not have posted a perfect singles score on the day, but she and Ashmore, her doubles partner, did post the only perfect doubles score of the match, defeating their Vaquero counterparts 8-0.

"Our team has great chemistry, works hard and is prepared for everything," said Mamatova.

Performing so well on the road bodes well for the Lady Corsairs. If they plan on making a run at another state championship, they will undoubtedly have to win on unfamiliar ground.

"I was pleased with the performance. They played smart and doubles were solid." said Goldenson. "I'm not satisfied just maintaining, but maintaining improvement."

Since beating Santa Barbara, SMC won their tightest matchup of the season, narrowly defeating second place Glendale Community College 5-4 and improving their overall record to 7-0.

The win clinched a playoff spot for SMC and guaranteed them at the very least, a share of the Western State Blue Conference title. But if the Lady Corsairs can win at least one of their last two matches, they will be in sole possession of the conference crown for the fourth time in the last five years.

The Lady Corsairs have two regular season matches remaining on the schedule before playoffs begin. SMC will travel to Ventura College on Thursday March 20, and will host Antelope Valley College in the regular season finale next Tuesday, March 25.