San Diego State joined the national cancellation of college sports in the middle of a promising effort to revive its men’s and women’s tennis fortunes.
Aztecs Rafael Gonzalez Almazan and Ignacio Martinez won four matches and gained the quarterfinals of the prestigious Pacific Coast Men’s Doubles Championships.
Gonzalez Almazan won Mountain West Conference Player of the Week (March 2-8). David Hough (Jan. 22) and Ignacio Martinez (Feb. 5) won the honor earlier in the season.
At season’s end, the Aztec women stood at 6-5 and had scored victories over UC Riverside, UC San Diego, Cal State Fullerton, Cal Poly, Grand Canyon, and Youngstown State.
A 4-3 loss to the No 22 USC Trojans suggested rising fortunes for the Aztec women.
Against the Trojans, the Aztecs won the doubles point with victories by Tamara Arnold and Julia Jordan (6-1) and Abbie Mulbarger and Nnena Nadozie (6-4). In singles, Aztec Arnold defeated Eryn Cayetano at 2nd singles, 6-7, 6-4, 6-1. And Aztec Cecile Morin defeated Constance Branstine at 5th singles, 6-4, 6-3.
In the deciding match, Aztec Agustina Rimoldi Godoy fought deep into a third set before falling 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.
“It’s unprecedented,” said women’s coach Peter Mattera of the interrupted season. “There are a lot of questions.”
“It’s been surreal and a bit disappointing,” said men’s coach Gene Carswell.
The Aztec men earned a 5-5 won-loss record, defeating UC San Diego, UC Irvine, Boise State, UC Davis, and San Diego Christian.
Ranked 10th in January, UCLA defeated the Aztec men, 4-1. At season’s abrupt end, the Bruins ranked 3rd in the nation.