PASADENA, Calif. – The Caltech women's tennis team picked up its first win of the 2023 season Thursday evening, rallying to defeat the No. 14 University of Mary Washington Eagles 6-3.

While the visitors came out fiercely to win all three doubles matchups, the Beavers were undeterred and battled all the way back, even overcoming a couple first set losses to turn the tide and earn a monumental victory.

"I am very impressed and inspired by the resliency the team displayed," Head Coach Benay Weintraub said after the match, which was also her first win as a Caltech coach. "They competed hard, supported each court from start to finish and adapted to the rhythm of the match. This is a special group that is capable of greatness because they never give up."

The Beavers' first match point came from court four as Nina Solovyeva fought back from an early deficit to a 3-2 first set lead before her opponent had to bow out due to injury. While the Eagles remained close on all five remaining courts in the opening sets, Yoyo Benchetrit caught fire on court two, claiming a 6-4, 6-1 win to remain undefeated in singles this season.

Not long after, Athena Kolli completed a long first set with a 6-3 win before a scorching 6-0 second set for her first singles win of the year, and the match was tied 3-3.

Tension remained as the Eagles were ahead in the first and third singles matchups with Payal Patel on court six being the only Beaver ahead in her match with a 6-4 first set win. Emily Zhang stayed close but dropped her first set 6-4, and Anika Arora struggled after leading 5-2 to surrender a 7-5 first set to her rival. Coach Weintraub credited Arora's mental toughness and desire for keeping everyone engaged in the match, feeding off her momentum and joy of competing. "She was the big moment that was pivotal to the upset," she said.

Arora then stormed through her second set for a 6-2 win, while Patel wrapped up her second set 6-4 to give the Beavers a 4-3 lead. Then Zhang sustained Caltech's momentum by dominating her second set tiebreaker 7-2, and both remaining matches were tied at 1-1. 

With the sun set and temperatures dropping, the Beavers stayed hot on the courts with numerous supporters packing the bleachers and cheering after every point. With Zhang up 5-0 and Arora holding to a 5-4 advantage, the last two courts ended within seconds of each other as Zhang completed her flawless 6-0 third set win to clinch the match while Arora's eventual match point was in play. She prevailed 6-4 in her third set to pick up her second win in singles play, as did Zhang moments earlier.

The team's next match is at home on Wednesday, Mar. 8 against Vassar College.