LOGAN, Utah — Utah State women's tennis defeated Air Force, 4-3, on Saturday at the Sports Academy & Racquet Club to earn the team's first victory in Mountain West play this season.
 
"This match means a lot to us," senior Gabrielle Dekkers said. "We've had a tough start of conference and to have our first conference match at home here and be able to get the win is just amazing. We all fought until the end and I'm real proud of the team."
 
Looking for the team's first win over the Falcons since 2018, the Aggies started strong in doubles play. Junior Zeynep Naz Ozturk and sophomore Lisa Küng earned a 6-4 victory at the second position before senior Annaliese County and junior Carolina Millan secured the doubles point for Utah State with a 6-4 win of their own at the No. 3-spot.
 
USU's momentum continued to the start of singles play with junior Zara Ryan pushing the Aggies' lead to 2-0 at the third position with a 6-2, 6-0 victory. Air Force then took hold of the match with three consecutive victories at the first, fourth and fifth positions to take a 3-2 advantage.
 
At the sixth position, Dekkers rebounded after dropping the first set to win, 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, to square the match at 3-3.
 
"At one point, I did figure out that we only had two matches left and (Carolina and I) both had to win those matches," Dekkers said. "I did get a little nervous but I'm really happy I got to finish the match and then we all got to support Carolina here on court one."
 
With the match coming down to Millan at the second position, the junior forced and won a tiebreak in the second set and then held a 5-0 advantage in the decisive third set. After a furious Falcon comeback to tie the third set at 5-5, Millan won the final two games to secure the 2-6, 7-6 (5), 7-5 victory and claim the match for the Aggies.
 
"I actually don't think I have any words. It's just so emotional," Millan said. "We really needed that win. We just needed one win to keep going. I really, really enjoy that adrenaline. The team makes it possible… It keeps me going because I sure don't want to lose with everyone watching. Just the support around me, it makes you work harder in the point. You want to keep going even if you cannot do it anymore. I think it's really important when you have a big group cheering you on. Thank you for everyone that came because it was amazing. The loudness was there all the time." 
 
Utah State immediately turns around to face New Mexico tomorrow, Sunday, April 10, at 2 p.m. (MT) at the Sports Academy & Racquet Club.
 
Fans can follow USU's women's tennis team on Twitter @USUWomensTennis, on Facebook at /UtahStateWomensTennis or on Instagram at USUWomensTennis.  Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at /USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.
 
RESULTS
Utah State 4, Air Force 3
Sports Academy &  Racquet Club
Logan, Utah
 
Doubles
1. Vivian Glozman/Karina Chao (AF) def. Gabrielle Dekkers/Sidnee Lavatai (USU) 6-0
2. Zeynep Naz Ozturk/Lisa Küng (USU) def. Isabella Flodin/Sydney Fitch (AF) 6-4 
3. Annaliese County/Carolina Millan (USU) def. Hailey Stelse/Alex Kuo (AF) 6-4
 
Singles
1. Glozman (AF) def. Küng (USU) 6-4, 6-1
2. Millan (USU) def. Fitch (AF) 2-6, 7-6 (5), 7-5
3. Zara Ryan (USU) def. Alexis Odom (AF) 6-2, 6-0
4. Chao (AF) def. County (USU) 6-3, 7-6 (5)
5. Stelse (AF) def. Lavatai (USU) 6-2, 4-6, 6-1
6. Dekkers (USU) def. Kuo (AF) 1-6, 6-4, 6-4
 
Match Notes
Utah State: 6-8 (1-4 MW)
Air Force: 7-5 (3-2 MW)
Order of finish: Doubles (1, 2, 3); Singles (3, 1, 4, 5, 6, 2)
 
 - USU -