TURLOCK, Calif. – Stan State women's tennis earned a statement 4-3 victory over No. 11 Hawai'i Pacific on Wednesday afternoon at the Stan State Tennis Courts, securing the program's first win over the Sharks.
After dropping the doubles point, the Warriors responded with resilience and intensity in singles play, winning four of six matches to complete the comeback.
Abbigail Mulick set the tone immediately. Competing at No. 2 singles, Mulick came out sharp and aggressive, controlling rallies from the baseline and dictating pace from the opening games. She never let up, sweeping her match 6-4, 6-0 and finishing as the first court off. Her fast start gave the Warriors early momentum and belief.
The match of the afternoon came at No. 4 singles, where Parker Orlando delivered one of the most electric performances of the season. Orlando battled through long rallies and momentum swings, especially in a tightly contested second set that saw multiple breaks and extended points. Playing with fire and determination, she elevated her level in the biggest moments, closing out a 6-3, 7-6 victory to put Stan State in position to win the dual.
Maiah White added another crucial point at No. 5 singles. After taking the first set, White found herself in a close battle in the second but stayed composed under pressure. She fought off momentum shifts, regained control late, and sealed a 6-4, 6-4 win that kept the Warriors within striking distance.
With the dual hanging in the balance, all eyes turned to Court 6. Emi Mikami was locked in a three-set battle that ultimately decided the match. After splitting the first two sets, Mikami dug deep in the third, staying aggressive and steady as teammates lined the fence in support. With the entire team behind her, she closed out the final set 7-6 to clinch the 4-3 victory and send the Warriors into celebration.
The win snaps a five-match losing streak against Hawai'i Pacific and marks the first victory over the Sharks in program history.
Up Next
Stan State continues its four-match homestand Thursday, March 12, hosting Illinois State at 1:00 p.m. at the Stan State Tennis Courts.
The Redbirds enter the matchup riding momentum on their California swing, earning a 4-3 win at Pacific before sweeping Dominican 7-0 in San Rafael. Illinois State has shown the ability to close out tight matches and carry energy from doubles into singles play, making Thursday's contest a strong nonconference test for the Warriors.
PacWest play resumes Sunday at 12:00 p.m. when Stan State hosts Dominican. The Penguins are coming off a 7-0 loss to Illinois State and will face Jessup on Friday before traveling to Turlock.
The homestand concludes Monday at 12:00 p.m. against Chaminade. The Silverswords most recently fell to Bucknell and will take on Menlo on Friday before their trip to Turlock.
With momentum from a ranked win over No. 11 Hawai'i Pacific, the Warriors will look to defend home courts and stack results during a pivotal stretch of conference play.
