POCATELLO, Idaho – Utah State women's tennis won its second match in a row, defeating Idaho State, 4-3, on Wednesday afternoon at Reed Gym.
 
Doubles
Utah State won at the second and third positions of doubles play to take the early 1-0 lead in the match. At the third position, freshmen Natalie Paterova and Maria Paula Ramos Garcia scored a 6-3 victory, allowing seniors Indya Nespor and Cielo Tapia-Cruz to clinch the doubles point with a 6-3 win at the second position. At the top spot in the lineup, junior Olivia Halvorsen and sophomore Niyati Kukreti also led, 5-3, at the time the point was clinched.
 
Singles
The Aggies' momentum persisted in singles play. Despite the Bengals gaining a point back at the first position, Halvorsen, Paterova and Kukreti soon clinched the victory with wins at positions two through four. At the second spot, Halvorsen won in three sets, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, to restore USU's advantage. Paterova also won in three sets at the third position, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, to put Utah State up, 3-1. Kukreti delivered the clinching blow at the fourth spot, winning in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, to secure the team victory.
 
Playing all matches to completion, Idaho State won at the fifth and sixth positions to draw within 4-3 for the final tally.
 
Next Up
The Aggies conclude non-conference play with a pair of matches in Irvine, California, against UC Irvine on Sunday, March 9, and against Illinois State on Monday, March 10.
 
Follow Along
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.
 
Utah State at Idaho State
February 26, 2025
Reed Gym
Pocatello, Idaho
 
Results
Utah State 4, Idaho State 3
 
Doubles
1. Olivia Halvorsen/Niyati Kukreti (USU) vs Stefanya Shalakhova/Veronika Zarovna (ISU) 5-3 unfinished
2. Indya Nespor/Cielo Tapia-Cruz (USU) def. Sydney Morris/Millie Day (ISU) 6-3
3. Natalie Paterova/Maria Paula Ramos Garcia (USU) def. Olivia Mikkelson/Victoria Grymalska (ISU) 6-3
 
Singles
1. Shalakhova (ISU) def. Nespor (USU) 6-4, 6-3
2. Halvorsen (USU) def. Day (ISU) 6-4, 4-6, 6-3
3. Paterova (USU) def. Morris (ISU) 6-3, 4-6, 6-4
4. Kukreti (USU) def. Mikkelson (ISU) 6-4, 6-4
5. Zarovna (ISU) def. Ana Sabikova (USU) 7-6 (3), 6-3
6. Grymalska (ISU) def. Ramos Garcia (USU) 6-4, 4-6, 1-0 (10-2)
 
Match Notes
Order of Finish: Doubles (2,3); Singles (1,2,3,4,5,6)
Utah State (4-4, 0-0 MW)
Idaho State  (6-6, 0-1 Big Sky)
 
-USU-