Espiritu Signs National Letter of Intent With UCR

(May 19, 2004) - Hilaire Rae Espiritu has signed a National Letter of Intent with UC Riverside, women’s tennis coach Mark Henry announced Wednesday.

“H.R. will be a great addition to our program,” Henry said. “Her talent and experience will definitely help the program continue to improve. She has outstanding skills in singles and doubles.”

Espiritu, a native of Yorba Linda, attends Esperanza High School in Anaheim. While with the Aztecs she was a four-time All-Sunset League honoree and a three-time league finalist, winning the league championship as a sophomore in 2002. She was a four-year CIF qualifier.

Highlanders Fall at Riviera/ITA Women's All-American Championships

(Oct. 5, 2004) - The 2004-05 women's tennis season got underway on October 2nd at the 2004 Riviera/ITA Women's All-American Championships. However, things didn't go well for the Highlanders as they faced some of the top talent in the nation.

Michelle Beyronneau fell to Shelah Chao of the University of Pennsylvania, 6-3, 6-3. Emese Sulyos of Jacksonville University defeated Casey Cross, 6-4, 6-2. In doubles play, Cross and Beyronneau fell to Novacova and Mesterova of Texas-Arlington, 8-3.

Cross Reaches Quarters, Beyronneau Wins Consolation at Cal State Fullerton Tournament

(Oct. 10, 2004) - Senior Michelle Beyronneau won the consolation finals and junior Casey Cross reached the main draw semi finals before falling to Marielle Gruenig of UCSB at the Cal State Fullerton Tournament in Fullerton this past weekend.

Cross was the only Highlander to get out of the first round of 64, defeating Kasia Krasinska of Northridge, 6-2, 6-2. She defeated Juliette Mutzke of UCSB, 6-1, 6-3 and Olga Yepremian of Northridge, 6-3, 6-2 before falling to Gruenig in the quarters, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1.

Beyronneau had a bye in the first round and lost her second round match to Tamara Tanner of Loyola Marymount, 6-2, 7-6. But Beyronneau came back to defeat Ioana Sisoe of Fullerton, 8-3, Veronica Cortes of Southern Utah, 8-3, Kraskinska, 8-1, and Hui Leow of UCI in the finals, 8-4.

In doubles play, Cross and Beyronneau won their first round match over Krasinska and Kumar of Northridge, 8-4, but lost to Glynn and Fukushima of UCSB, 8-6 in the quarters.

Beyronneau Reaches Second Round of Consolation Draw at ITA/Wilson West Regionals

(Oct. 23, 2004) - Senior Michelle Beyronneau fell in the second round of the consolation draw at the ITA/Wilson West Regionals in San Diego on October 23.

Beyronneau lost in the main draw to Alesya Vidov of San Diego State, 6-2, 6-3, but came back to defeat Yasuyo Hashimoto of Northridge 6-1, 6-4 in the first round of the consolation draw. However, Tracy Lin of UCLA defeated Beyronneau 4-6, 7-5, 6-1.

Junior Casey Cross lost to Patricia Hubl of LMU, 6-4, 7-6 in the qualifying draw.

UCR Competes in First Day of UCI Fall Invitational

(Oct. 29, 2004) - The UC Riverside women's tennis team kicked off the first day's play of the UC Irvine Fall Invitational on Friday with matches against the hosts and Southern Utah. It was a rough day for the Highlanders, as the doubles combination of sophomore Catrisha Cabanilla (Buena Park, CA/Sunny Hills HS) and freshman Nara Im (La Crescenta, CA/Crescenta Valley HS) secured the lone win for UCR.

Cabanilla and Im combined at the number three doubles to win 8-2 over the team of Hoyos/Caplin from Southern Utah. That match followed identical 8-6 losses at the one and two doubles spots for the Highlanders.

Earlier in the day, UCR squared off against UCI in singles play and was swept 7-0.

The tournament continues tomorrow and runs through Sunday with more matches slated on the round-robin schedule starting at 10 a.m.

UC Irvine vs. UC Riverside (Singles)

Anna Bentzer (UCI) def. Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) - 6-2, 6-0
Izabela Mijic (UCI) def. Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) - 6-1, 6-0
Inna Agababian (UCI) def. Casey Cross (UCR) - 6-3, 2-6, 6-2
Becky Bernard (UCI) def. H.R. Espiritu (UCR) - 6-3, 6-3
Nikki Fermin (UCI) def. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) - 7-5, 6-2
Jessica Broadfoot (UCI) def. Collette Chau (UCR) - 6-2, 6-0
Natalie Jacobs (UCI) def. Nara Im (UCR) - 6-2, 6-0

Southern Utah vs. UC Riverside (Doubles)

Beynon/Cotes (SUU) def. Cross/Espiritu (UCR) - 8-6
Garcia/Holt (SUU) def. Chau/Yoshimoto (UCR) - 8-6
Cabanilla/Im (UCR) def. Hoyos/Caplin (SUU) - 8-2

UCR Completes UCI Fall Invitational

(Oct. 31, 2004) - The UC Riverside women's tennis team wrapped up the three day UC Irvine Fall Tournament by facing Loyola Marymount in singles and UCI in doubles on Saturday and LMU in doubles and Southern Utah in singles on Sunday.

Saturday the Highlanders went 3-4 in singles play against Loyola Marymount. Michelle Beyronneau defeated Tamara Tanner, 6-4, 6-4, Nara Im defeated Erin Sanchez, 6-1, 6-0, and Eri Yoshimoto defeated Diana Vinis, who retired at 3-3 in the first set. In doubles play Saturday the Anteaters swept the Highlanders.

Sunday the doubles team from Loyola Marymount swept the Highlanders' three matches, but the Highlanders came back to take five-of-seven matches from Southern Utah University. Beyronneau, H.R. Espiritu, Nara Im, Catrisha Cabanilla and Colette Chau all won their matches.

Complete results from Saturday and Sunday are below.

UC Riverside vs. Loyola Marymount
Singles
Carla Arguelles (LMU) def. Casey Cross (UCR) 6-4, 6-2
Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) def. Tamara Tanner (LMU) 6-4, 6-4
Serena Fermin (LMU) def. H.R. Espiritu (UCR) 6-3, 6-1
Kimi Kaloi (LMU) def. Collette Chau (UCR) 6-1, 6-1
Patrycia Hubl (LMU) def. Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) 6-3, 6-0
Nara Im (UCR) def. Erin Sanchez (LMU) 6-1, 6-0
Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) def. Diana Vinis (LMU) 3-3, ret.

UC Irvine vs. UC Riverside
Doubles
Bentzer/Leow (UCI) def. Beyronneau/Espiritu (UCR) 8-3
Agababian/Mijic (UCI) def. Cross/Cabanilla (UCR) 8-6
Bernhard/Broadfoot (UCI) def. Yoshimoto/Im (UCR) 8-2

UC Riverside vs. Southern Utah
Singles
Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) def. Cristina Garcia (SUU) 6-0, 6-0
H.R. Espiritu (UCR) def. Kim Beynon (SUU) 6-3, 6-3
Veronica Cortes (SUU) def. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) 6-4, 6-0
Nara Im (UCR) def. Lisseth Hoyos (SUU) 6-1, 7-5
Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) def. Crystal Holt (SUU) 6-4, 6-2
Colette Chau (UCR) def. Casie Brooks (SUU) 6-3, 6-4
Stephanie Caplin (SUU) def. Kristina Kim (UCR) 6-1, 6-4

UC Riverside vs. Loyola Marymount
Doubles
Arguelles/Kaloi (LMU) def. Beyronneau/Espiritu (UCR) 8-5
Hubl/Tanner (LMU) def. Cabanilla/Im (UCR) 8-1
Fermin/Sanchez (LMU) def. Yoshimoto/Chau (UCR) 8-3

Aztecs Beat Highlanders 5-2

(Jan. 22, 2005) - The UC Riverside women's tennis team fell 5-2 at San Diego State Saturday in its first match of the 2005 season. UCR won the doubles point but was unable to keep up the momentum in dropping five of six singles matches.

The day started off well for the Highlanders, as they took two of the three doubles matches. Senior Michelle Beyronneau (Yucaipa, CA/Yucaipa HS) and freshman H.R. Espiritu (Yorba Linda, CA/Esperanza HS) beat Andrea Hermansen and Indra Erichsen 8-2 in the #1 doubles spot. In the #3 doubles, junior Collette Chau (San Jose, CA/Piedmont Hills HS) and freshman Eri Yoshimoto (Walnut, CA/Walnut HS) teamed to defeat Sarah Samson and Carla Bell, 8-6.

The singles matches were not as kind to the Highlanders as Espiritu was the only UCR player to gain a win, beating Hermansen 6-4, 6-3.

UCR opens up it home schedule on Wednesday, January 26 against Asuza Pacific University. The match starts at 2:00 p.m.

San Diego State vs. UC Riverside (Doubles)

Beyronneau/Espiritu (UCR) def. Hermansen/Erichsen (SDSU) - 8-2
Haverlandova/Vidov (SDSU) def. Cross/Cabanilla (UCR) - 8-1
Chau/Yoshimoto (UCR) def. Samson/Bell (SDSU) - 8-6

Singles Results

Alesya Vidov (SDSU) def. Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) - 6-1, 6-1
Dita Haverlandova (SDSU) def. Casey Cross (UCR) - 5-7, 6-2, 10-2 (third set tiebreaker)
H.R. Espiritu (UCR) def. Andrea Hermansen (SDSU) - 6-4, 6-3
Indra Erichsen (SDSU) def. Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) - 6-1, 6-0
Nina Spaeth (SDSU) def. Collette Chau (UCR) - 6-0, 6-0
Sisse Nielson (SDSU) def. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) - 6-2, 6-1

Highlanders Buck Broncos 7-0

(Feb. 1, 2005) - The UC Riverside women’s tennis team swept visiting Cal Poly Pomona 7-0 on Tuesday at the Student Recreation Center courts. The Highlanders did not drop a set in gaining their first dual match win of the year.

The day started well for the Highlanders (1-1), who took all three doubles matches. Michelle Beyronneau and H.R. Espiritu defeated Dehlia Feliz and Katrina Holmberg, 8-4 in #1 doubles while Casey Cross and Catrisha Cabanilla took down Sara Jey and Renee Paquillo, 8-1. Colette Chau and Eri Yoshimoto capped the doubles action with an 8-5 win over Erica Lin and Ellyn Caprara.

In the singles matches, UCR cruised past the Broncos, with no player losing more than four games in a set. Beyronneau defeated Feliz 6-3, 6-1 and Cross won 6-0, 6-2 over Holmberg in the #1 and #2 singles matches. In the third slot, Espiritu dispatched Paquillo 6-1, 6-2 to stay undefeated in dual singles matches. Cabanilla won her match 6-2, 6-1 over Lin while Yoshimoto disposed of Caprara 6-4, 6-2. In the final match, Chau defeated Jey 6-1, 6-2.

UCR hosts Azusa Pacific University tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center courts.

UC Riverside (7) vs. Cal Poly Pomona (0)

Doubles Results
Beyronneau/Espiritu (UCR) def. Feliz/Holmberg (CPP) 8-4
Cross/Cabanilla (UCR) def. Jey/Paquillo (CPP) 8-1
Chau/Yoshimoto (UCR) def. Lin/Caprara (CPP) 8-5

Singles Results
Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) def. Dehlia Feliz (CPP) 6-3, 6-1
Casey Cross (UCR) def. Katrina Holmberg (CPP) 6-0, 6-2
H.R. Espiritu (UCR) def. Renee Paquillo (CPP) 6-1, 6-2
Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) def. Erica Lin (CPP) 6-2, 6-1
Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) def. Ellyn Caprara (CPP) 6-4, 6-2
Colette Chau (UCR) def. Sara Jey (CPP) 6-1, 6-2

Highlanders Gain 4-3 Win over Azusa Pacific

(Feb. 2, 2005) - Catrisha Cabanilla pulled out a 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (8-6) victory in the #5 singles to provide in the winning margin in UC Riverside’s 4-3 win over Azusa Pacific University on Tuesday at the Student Recreation Center courts. The Highlanders overcame the loss of the doubles point to take four of the six singles matches.

H.R. Espiritu went 2-0 on the day, beating Bay Daniels 6-3, 6-2 in the #3 singles and joining with Michelle Beyronneau at #1 doubles to beat Jennifer Dao and Mayu Sato, 9-7. All three doubles matches were close, with APU taking the #2 and #3, 8-6.

The Highlanders stormed back in the singles matches to pull out the victory. In addition to Cabanilla and Espiritu’s singles victories, Casey Cross and Colette Chau each won their matches to help UCR’s comeback.

UCR won its second match in as many days to improve to 2-1 in the spring season. The Highlanders open Big West Conference play on February 11, when they travel to UC Santa Barbara.

UC Riverside (4) vs. Azusa Pacific University (3)

Doubles Results
Beyronneau/Espiritu (UCR) def. Dao/Sato (APU) 9-7
Bell/Quitoriano (APU) def. Cross/Cabanilla (UCR) 8-6
Hiatt/Daniels (APU) def. Chau/Yoshimoto (UCR) 8-6

Singles Results
Jennifer Dao (APU) def. Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) 3-6, 6-3, ret.
Casey Cross (UCR) def. Peggy Bell (APU) 7-5, 6-2
H.R. Espiritu (UCR) def. Bay Daniels (APU) 6-3, 6-2
Mayu Sato (APU) def. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) 6-4, 6-2
Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) def. Lynn Quitoriano (APU) 7-6, 7-6
Colette Chau (UCR) def. Christiana Scolinos (APU) 6-1, 6-1

Highlanders Fall to Gauchos, 7-0

(Feb. 11, 2005) - The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos defeated the visiting UC Riverside women's tennis team, 7-0 in Goleta Friday.

After dodging raindrops in the morning, the match got underway in cloudy and windy conditions, However, the Gauchos dominated, losing just one set on the afternoon.

The Highlanders play Santa Clara in Santa Barbara Saturday.

UCSB 7 - UC Riverside 0

Doubles Results
Gruenig/Scatliffe (UCSB) def. Beyronneau/Espiritu (UCR) 8-6
Glynn/Fukushima (UCSB) def. Cross/Cabanilla (UCR) 8-4
Damion/Pintar (UCSB) def. Chau/Yoshimoto (UCR) 8-1

Singles Results
Marielle Gruenig (UCSB) def. Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) 6-0, 6-1
Chelsea Glynn (UCSB) def. Casey Cross (UCR) 6-2, 6-4
Andrea Pintar (UCSB) def. H.R. Espiritu (UCR) 6-4, 6-3
Charlotte Scatliffe (UCSB) def. Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) 4-6, 6-4, (10-5 ST)
Leslie Damien (UCSB) def. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) 6-2, 6-1
Mio Fukushima (UCSB) def. Colette Chau (UCR) 6-1, 6-0

Santa Clara Defeats UCR, 5-2

(Feb. 12, 2005) - The 73rd-ranked Santa Clara University women's tennis team defeated the UC Riverside 5-2 Saturday in a neutral site match in Santa Barbara.

The Broncos' record improves to 3-1, and the Highlanders fall to 2-2.

UCR won at No. 2 doubles behind Casey Cross and Catrisha Cabanilla, as the beat Catherine Cochrane and Kimberly Daniel, 8-2. However the Broncos took the No. 1 and 3 matches to take the doubles point.

In singles play, No. 1 Michelle Beyronneau defeated Janalle Kaloi, 6-4, 6-4 and No. 3 H.R. Espiritu defeated Cochrane, 7-6, 6-7, (1-0) in the super tiebreaker.

Santa Clara 5- UC Riverside 2

Doubles Results
1. Kaloi/Leathers (SCU) def. Beyronneau/Espiritu (UCR) 8-4
2. Cross/Cabanilla (UCR) def. Cochrane/Daniel (SCU) 8-2
3. Barnes/J. Strunk (SCU) def. Chau/Yoshimoto (UCR) 8-3

Singles Results
1. Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) def. Janalle Kaloi (SCU) 6-4, 6-4
2. Kelly Leathers (SCU) def. Casey Cross (UCR) 6-4, 6-0
3. H.R. Espiritu (UCR) def. Catherine Cochrane (SCU) 7-6, 6-7, (1-0)
4. Erika Barnes (SCU) def. Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) 6-2, 7-6
5. Kimberly Daniel (SCU) def. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) 6-1, 6-1
6. Jessie Strunk (SCU) def. Colette Chau (UCR) 6-2, 6-0

Pacific Topples Highlanders, 6-1

(Feb. 18, 2005) - The No. 66 Pacific women's tennis team picked up its sixth win of the season and first conference win with a 6-1 win over the visiting UC Riverside Highlanders on Friday.

With the win the Tigers improved to 6-1 in dual match play and are 1-0 in Big West play.

Pacific captured all three doubles matches as senior Katharina Heil and sophomore Vana Mrazovic improved to 5-2 on the season with an 8-5 win over Michelle Beyronneau and H.R. Espiritu of the Highlanders.

Pacific took the match by winning five of the six singles matches. Casey Cross was the sole Highlander to post a win, defeating Kathatrina Heil, 6-2, 6-3.

Helen Schneider sealed the match for the Tigers, winning her second match of the season with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Colette Chau at No. 6 singles. Junior Natalia Kostenko remained a perfect 7-0 on the season, picking up a 7-4(4), 7-5 win over H.R. Espiritu at No. 3 singles. Freshman Katharina Trumpf also moved to 7-0 on the season with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Catrisha Cabanilla at No. 4 singles.

NO. 66 Pacific 6, UC Riverside 1

Doubles
1. Heil/Mrazovic (PAC) def. Beyronneau/Espiritu (UCR), 8-5
2. Kostenko/Herrmann (PAC) def. Cabanilla/Cross (UCR), 8-1
3. Schneider/Lizzy Kenfield (PAC) def. Chau/Yoshimoto, 8-4

Singles
1. Vana Mrazovic (PAC) def. Michelle Beyronneau (UCR), 6-2, 6-1
2. Casey Cross (UCR) def. Katharina Heil (PAC), 6-2, 6-3
3. Natalia Kostenko (PAC) def.H.R. Espiritu(UCR), 7-6(4),7-5
4. Katharina Trumpf (PAC) def.Catrisha Cabanilla(UCR), 6-4,6-2
5. Anja Herrmann (PAC) def.Eri Yoshimoto(UCR), 6-3, 6-1
6. Helen Schnieder (PAC) def. Colette Chau (UCR), 6-2, 6-3

Long Beach State Defeats UCR , 6-1

(Feb. 24, 2005) - The No. 66 ranked Long Beach State 49ers defeated the visiting UC Riverside Highlanders, 6-1 at the Campus Courts in Long Beach on Thursday afternoon.

Long Beach State improved to 4-4, 3-1 Big West, while UCR dropped to 2-5, 0-3 Big West.

UCR won it's lone point behind senior Michelle Beyronneau at number 2 singles, as she defeated Stephanie Bengson, 6-2, 6-2. Sophomore Catrisha Cabanilla had a good fight at No. 4 singles, but lost in the super tiebreaker, 6-2, 4-6, (12-10).

Long Beach State 6, UC Riverside 1

Doubles
#1 Nicole Bouffler/Sandra Rocha (LBSU) def. Michelle Beyronneau/H.R. Espiritu (UCR), 8-5
#2 Stephanie Bengson/Rachael Porsz (LBSU) def. Casey Cross/Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR), 8-6
#3 Alanah Carroll/Nicoletta Ratiu (LBSU) def. Collette Chau/Eri Yoshimoto (UCR), 8-1

Singles
#1 Bouffler (LBSU) def. Cross (UCR), 6-3, 7-5
#2 Beyronneau (UCR) def. Bengson (LBSU), 6-2, 6-2
#3 Rocha (LBSU) def. Espiritu (UCR), 6-0, 6-1
#4 Carroll (LBSU) def. Cabanilla (UCR), 6-2, 4-6, 12-10
#5 Porsz (LBSU) def. Yoshimoto (UCR), 6-3, 6-1
#6 Ratiu (LBSU) def. Chau (UCR) Default

Cal Poly Takes Down UCR, 5-2

(Feb. 26, 2005) - Cal Poly swept the three doubles sets and won four of six singles matches en route to a 5-2 victory over UC Riverside in a Big West Conference women's tennis match Saturday afternoon.

Cal Poly improved to 5-3 overall and 3-0 in the Big West, while UCR fell to 2-6 overall, 0-4 in the Big West.

Michelle Beyronneau and H.R. Espiritu posted the Highlanders' wins in the match. Beyronneau won at number two singles, 6-2, 6-7, (13-11) in the super tiebreaker at No. 2, and Espirtu defeated Noelle Lee, 7-5, 5-7 (10-6) in the supertiebreaker at No. 3. Cal Poly swept the three doubles matches to win the point.

Cal Poly 5, UC Riverside 2

Doubles
Samantha Waller-Nicole Shabaz (CP) def. Casey Cross-H.R. Espiritu (UCR) 8-5
Chelsy Thompson-Noelle Lee (CP) def. Michelle Beyronneau-Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) 8-4
Carol Erickson-Falon Lopez (CP) def. Catrisha Cabanilla-Kristina Kim(UCR) 8-0

Singles
Samantha Waller (CP) def. Casey Cross (UCR) 6-3, 6-1
Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) def. Chelsy Thompson (CP) 6-2, 6-7, 13-11
H.R. Espiritu (UCR) def. Noelle Lee (CP)7-5, 5-7, 10-6
Nicole Shabaz (CP) def. Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) 6-1, 6-3
Sheila Lewis (CP) def. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) 6-3, 6-4
Fallon Lopez (CP) def. Kristina Kim (UCR) 6-0, 6-3

Hawaii Holds Off UCR, 4-3

(Mar. 2, 2005) -The University of Hawaii defeated the host UC Riverside Highlanders 4-3 in a non-conference tennis match at the Student Recreation Tennis Complex Wednesday.

UCR fell to 2-7 on the season.

Hawaii had a pair of come-from-behind wins in doubles play to secure the doubles point, and that proved to be the difference as the teams split the singles matches, 3-3.

In doubles play, Michelle Beyronneau and Eri Yoshimoto combined at No. 2 to post an 8-3 win over Justine Boutet and Kana Aikawa. However, Hawaii triumphed at No. 1 and 3 to take the point.

In singles play freshman H.R. Espirtu had a spirited 6-2, 6-2 win over Justine Boutet at No. 2, and sophomore Catrisha Cabanilla defeated Chloe Bihag at No. 3, 6-2, 6-4. Hawaii won at No. 1, 4 and 5, highlighted by No. 75 Lauren Fitzgerald's 6-2, 6-1 win over Beyronneau at No. 1. UCR junior Casey Cross capped the day with a 6-4, 4-6, (10-6) win over Sylvia Jaros at No. 2, but it was too late for the Highlanders.

Hawaii 4, UC Riverside 3

Doubles
Lauren Fitzgerald/Sylvia Jaros (UH) def. Casey Cross/H.R. Espiritu (UCR) 8-4
Michelle Beyronneau/Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) def. Justine Boutet/Kana Aikawa (UH) 8-3
Kimberly Curtis/Chloe Bihag (UH) def. Catrisha Cabanilla-Colette Chau (UCR) 8-5

Singles
No. 75 Lauren Fitzgerald (UH) def. Michelle Beyronneau (UCR), 6-2, 6-1
Casey Cross (UCR) def. Sylvia Jarros (UH), 6-4, 4-6, (10-6)
H.R. Espiritu (UCR) def. Justine Boutet (UH), 6-2, 6-2
Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) def. Chloe Bihag, 6-2, 6-4
Kimberly Curtis (UH) def. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) 6-4, 6-1
Kana Aikawa (UH) def. Kristina Kim (UCR) 6-4, 6-0

UCR "Doubles Up" on Utah State

(Mar. 5, 2005) - The UC Riverside Highlanders defeated the Utah State Aggies in a Big West contest in Las Vegas Saturday.

The match came down to the doubles point, and the drama was high as the doubles matches were played after the singles matches, rather than before as usual. Casey Cross and H.R. Espiritu defeated Lindsey Bennion and Carolyn Stephens at No. 1, 8-4 and Michelle Beyronneau and Eri Yoshimoto took No. 2 doubles, 8-4 over Courtney Anderson and Andrea Barker to give UCR the match. Catrisha Cabanilla and Colette Chau fell 8-3 at No. 3 doubles to Laren Monson and Jill Smith.

Beyronneau defeated Bennion at No. 1 singles, 6-4, 6-1, and Espiritu was victorious at No. 3 singles over Stephens, 6-3, 6-3. Chau gave the Highlanders their final singles win with a 5-2, 6-4 effort over Monson. At No. 2 singles, Casey Cross started strongly, winning the first set, but ended up losing the match 2-6, 7-6, 6-2.

The Highlanders play UNLV Sunday morning.

UC Riverside 4, Utah State 3

Doubles
Casey Cross/H.R. Espiritu (UCR) def. Lindsey Bennion/Carolyn Stephens (USU) 8-4
Michelle Beyronneau/Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) def. Courtney Anderson/Andrea Barker (USU) 8-4
Lauren Monson/Jill Smith (USU) def. Catrisha Cabanilla/Colette Chau (UCR) 8-3

Singles
Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) def. Lindsey Bennion (USU), 6-4, 6-1
Jill Smith (USU) def. Casey Cross (UCR) 2-6, 7-6, 6-2
H.R. Espiritu (UCR) def. Carolyn Stephens (USU), 6-3, 6-3
Courtney Anderson (USU) def. Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) 1-6, 6-4, 6-2
Andrea Barker (USU) def. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) 7-5, 3-6, 6-3
Colette Chau (UCR) def Lauren Monson (USU) 6-2, 6-4

UNLV Sweeps UCR, 7-0

(Mar. 6, 2005) - The UC Riverside Highlanders fell to the No. 30 ranked UNLV Rebels Sunday at the Fertitta Tennis Complex in Las Vegas. The Rebels swept the doubles point, then surrendered just 10 sets in singles play as they cruised to victory.

UCR falls to 3-8 on the season with the loss.

No. 30 UNLV 7, UCR 0

Doubles
1. Tempelfelde/Ortiz-Luis (UNLV) def. Casey Cross/Espiritu (UCR) 8-3
2. Smith/Zsiros (UNLV) def. Beyronneau/Yoshimoto (UCR) 8-5
3. Mery Constanti/Gantcheva (UNLV) def. Chau/Cabanilla (UCR) 8-0

Singles
1. #21 Elena Gantcheva (UNLV) def. Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) 6-2, 6-2
2. Gyorgyi Zsiros (UNLV) def. H.R. Espiritu (UCR) 6-1, 6-2
3. Anne Claire Ortiz-Luis (UNLV) def. Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) 6-0, 6-0
4. Cindy Treber (UNLV) def. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) 6-0, 6-1
5. Claire Smith (UNLV) def. Colette Chau (UCR) 6-1, 6-0
6. Linda Tempelfelde (UNLV) def. Kristina Kim (UCR) 6-0, 6-1

UCR Defeats San Jose State, 5-2

(Mar. 11, 2005) - Michelle Beyronneau and H.R. Espiritu posted come-from-behind three set wins in singles play to help the Highlanders to a 5-2 non-conference win over San Jose State University at the UCR Recreation Center Tennis Complex Friday.

UCR improves to 4-8 on the season with the win.

No. 1 Beyronneau won the opening set over June Lee, 6-3, but fell 5-7 in game two. Though she trailed in the third set, she bounced back to post a 7-5 win to give UCR the match. Moments earlier, No. 3 Espiritu finished a near identical match in which she won the opener 6-2, lost the second 5-7, then came from behind to post a 7-5 win to put the Highlanders up 3-2.

No. 2 Casey Cross cruised at No. 2, defeating Elke Harms 6-1, 6-1, and Colette Chau posted a 6-1, 6-3 win over Stephanie Irwin at No. 6.

The Highlanders padded the win by taking the doubles point with wins at No. 1 behind Cross and Espiritu, 8-3 over Harms and Larijani, and at No. 2 behind Beyronneau and Eri Yoshimoto, who won 8-3 over Lee and Van.

UCR 5, SJSU 2

Doubles
1. Casey Cross/H.R. Espiritu (UCR) def. Elke Harms/Larijani (SJSU) 8-3
2. Michelle Beyronneau/Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) def. June Lee/Kathy Van (SJSU) 8-2
3. Ashley Tavita/Courtney Koenigsfeld (SJSU) def. Colette Chau/Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) 8-1

Singles
1. Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) def. June Lee (SJSU) 6-3, 5-7, 7-5
2. Casey Cross (UCR) def. Elke Harms (SJSU) 6-1, 6-1
3. H.R. Espiritu (UCR) def. Courtney Koenigsfeld (SJSU) 6-2, 5-7, 7-5
4. Ashley Tavita (SJSU) def. Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) 6-4, 7-6
5. Kathy Van (SJSU) def. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) 6-2, 6-3
6. Colette Chau (UCR) def. Stephanie Irwin (SJSU) 6-1, 6-3

UCR Defeats Nevada, 4-2

(Mar. 12, 2005) - Michelle Beyronneau and Catrisha Cabanilla each pulled out third set super-tiebreak singles wins as UC Riverside beat visiting University of Nevada 4-2 on Saturday at the Student Recreation Center courts.

The Highlanders improve to 5-8 on the season with the win.

Due to Nevada’s travel schedule, the teams only played singles matches but it was still a dramatic contest. Three of the six singles went into a third set, with UCR emerging victorious in two. Beyronneau overcame dropping the first set to defeat Bachlan Pham 4-6, 7-6 (10-4) at #1. Cabanilla clinched the point with a 6-1, 3-6 (10-5) win at #4. Casey Cross (6-1, 6-3 at #2) and H.R. Espiritu (6-0, 6-0 at #3) also won matches for the Highlanders.

UCR takes a nine-day layoff for finals, returning to action on March 21 against the University of Montana at theStudent Recreation Center courts.

UC Riverside (4) vs. University of Nevada (2)

Singles Results
Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) def. Bachlan Pham (UN) 4-6, 7-6, (10-4)
Casey Cross (UCR) def. Fiorella Velez (UN) 6-1, 6-3
H.R. Espiritu (UCR) def. Kristen Davenport (UN) 6-0, 6-0
Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) def. Audrey Bardot (UN) 6-1, 3-6, (10-5)
Myriam Bouchlaka (UN) def. Colette Chau (UCR) 1-6, 7-5, (10-4)
Nawchali DeSilva (UN) def. Eri Yoshimoto(UCR) 6-0, 6-0

Highlanders Hold Off Montana, 4-3

(Mar. 21, 2005) -Playing their first match in nine days, the UC Riverside Highlanders' women's tennis team defeated visiting Montana, 4-3 in a non-conference match at the Student Recreation Center Tennis Courts Monday.

It was the No. 2 doubles match that eventually gave UCR the match. Michelle Beyronneau and Eri Yoshimoto held off Colby Fannin and Cheyne Ursich, 9-8 to give the Highlanders the doubles point after the teams split at No. 1 and No. 3.

In singles play, the Highlanders swept No. 1 through 3, while Montana took the No. 4 through 6 matches. In each case the wins were in straight sets.

UC Riverside 4 vs. Montana 3

Singles Results
Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) def. Cheyne Ursich (Mon.) 6-2, 6-2
Casey Cross (UCR) def. Annabelle Janiero (Mon.) 6-2, 6-4
H.R. Espiritu (UCR) def. Lindsey Torgerson (Mon.) 6-0, 6-1
Mari Castello (Mon.) def. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) 6-3, 6-0
Jonna Schwartz (Mon.) def. Colette Chau (UCR) 6-1, 6-1
Colby Fannin (Mon.) def. Kristina Kim (UCR) 6-2, 6-0

Doubles Results
Casey Cross/H.R. Espiritu (UCR) def. Annabelle Janiero/Mari Castello (Mon.), 8-5
Michelle Beyronneau/Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) def. Colby Fannin/Cheyne Ursich (Mon.), 9-8
Lindsy Torgerson/Jonna Scwartz (Mon.) def. Kristina Kim/Colette Chau, 8-0.

Rain Washes Out UCR-DePaul Match

(Mar. 22, 2005) - The UC Riverside-DePaul women's tennis match was washed out Tuesday by rain. The teams had concluded the doubles matches and were midway through singles when a storm cell drenched the campus. The match will not be rescheduled.

UCR Falls to Brown, 5-2

(Mar. 29, 2005) - The UC Riverside women’s tennis team lost to visiting Brown University 5-2 on Tuesday at the Student Recreation Center courts.

With the loss, UCR falls to 6-9.

The doubles point came down to the No. 1 match between UCR's Casey Cross and HR Espiritu and Brown's Alex Arlak and Daisy Ames. The Bears came from behind in the tiebreaker to post a 9-8 win to give Brown the doubles point.

In singles play the Highlanders took an early lead, winning the first set in four of the matches. However, Brown came back to post a win at No. 6 as Kelley Kirkpatrick rallied from 5-4 in the second set to post a 7-5 win, then finished with a 6-2 win for a 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 win. Combined with wins at No.4 and No. 5 singles, the win clinched the match for the Bears.

UCR got wins at No. 1 singles behind Michelle Beyronneau, who posted a 6-1, 5-7, 6-3 win over Amanda Saiontz and at No. 3 as Espiritu defeated Daisy Ames, 6-1, 7-6. The final match of the night went to the wire, but Arlak outlasted Casey Cross at No. 2, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6.

UC Riverside (2) vs. Brown (5)

Doubles Results
Arlak/Ames (BU) def. Cross/Espiritu (UCR) 9-8
Beyronneau/Yoshimoto (UCR) def. Kirkpatrick/Pariser (BU) 9-8
Saiontz/Pautler(BU) def. Chau/Cabanilla (UCR) 8-2

Singles Results
Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) def. Amanda Saiontz (BU) 6-1, 5-7, 6-3
Alex Arlak (BU) def. Casey Cross (UCR) 4-6, 7-6, 7-6
H.R. Espiritu (UCR) def. Daisy Ames (BU) 6-1,7-6
Anita Ivancevic (BU) def. Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) 6-3, 6-2
Ashley Pariser (BU) def. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) 6-2, 6-1
Kelley Kirkpatrick (BU) def. Colette Chau (UCR) 3-6. 7-5, 6-2

Northridge Defeats Highlanders, 6-1

(April 2, 2005) - Cal State Northridge defeated UC Riverside 6-1 on Saturday afternoon at the Student Recreation Center Tennis Courts.

The Highlanders lone singles win came at No.2 as junior Casey Cross defeated Canna Furuta, 3-6, 6-3 (10-6). H.R. Espiritu lost in the super tiebreaker, to Kanykey Koichumanova 2-6 6-4 (14-12).

In doubles play, Cross and Espiritu posted the team's lone win, with a 8-4 decision.

UCR is now 6-10 on the season.

DOUBLES
1. Cross/Espiritu (UCR) def Myinttun/Gutierrez (CSUN) 8-4
2. Furuta/Hashimoto (CSUN) def. Beyronneau/Yoshimoto (UCR) 8-5
3. Krasinska/Koichumanova (CSUN) def Cabanilla/Chau (UCR)8-0

SINGLES
1. Silvia Gutierrez (CSUN) def. Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) 7-6, 7-6
2. Casey Cross (UCR) def. Canna Furuta (CSUN) 3-6 6-3 (10-6)
3. Kanykey Koichumanova (CSUN) def. H.R. Espiritu (UCR) 2-6 6-4 (14-12)
4. YuYu Myinttun (CSUN) def. Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) 6-2 6-3
5. Kasia Krasinska (CSUN) def. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) 6-3 6-0
6. Yasuyo Hashimoto(CSUN) def. Colette Chau (UCR) 6-0 6-2

Highlanders Hold Off Titans, 4-3

(April 7, 2005) - The UC Riverside Highlanders got wins from their first four singles players to pull out a 4-3 win over Cal State Fullerton in a Big West match in Fullerton Thursday.

UCR is now 7-10 on the season and 2-5 in the Big West. The win snapped a two match losing streak.

The Highlanders lost the doubles point as the Titans took the No. 2 and 3 matches, despite the Highlanders getting a win by Casey Cross and H.R. Espiritu at No. 1, 8-5 over Carla Rocha and Mai-ly Tran.

In singles play, No. 2 Casey Cross defeated Gina Le, 6-4, 7-6 and No. 4 Eri Yoshimoto got her first win at No. 4 with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Carla Rocha. However, Fullerton won at No.5 and No. 6 singles to take a 3-2 lead with the No. 1 and No. 3 matches still in play.

At No. 1 singles, Michelle Beyronneau posted a decisive 6-1 win in the third set for a 7-6, 4-6, 6-1 win to tie the match and moments later H.R. Espiritu defeated Mai-ly Tran, 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 to give UCR the win.

UC Riverside 4, Cal State Fullerton 3

DOUBLES
1. Cross/Espiritu (UCR) def Rocha/Tran (CSF) 8-5
2. Inalpulat/Le (CSF) def. Beyronneau/Yoshimoto (UCR) 8-4
3. Freeman/Dunbar (CSF) def. Cabanilla/Chau (UCR) 8-1

SINGLES
1. Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) def. Ruya Inalpulat (CSF) 7-6, 4-6, 6-1
2. Casey Cross (UCR) def. Gina Le (CSF) 6-4, 7-6
3. H.R. Espiritu (UCR) def. Mai-ly Tran (CSF) 6-2, 2-6, 6-4
4. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) def. Carla Rocha (CSF) 6-3, 6-2
5. Caroline Chau (CSF) def. Colette Chau (UCR) 6-3, 6-3
6. Chip Dunbar (CSF) def. Kristina Kim (UCR) 6-1, 6-1

Highlanders Win Second Straight, Defeat UC Davis

(April 9, 2005) - The UC Riverside Highlanders won their second straight match witha 6-1 non-conference win over UC Davis in a non-conference match played at UC Irvine Saturday. The match was a make-up of a rain out last month. UCR is now 8-10 overall.

The Highlanders took the doubles point with wins at No. 1 and 2. At No. 1, Casey Cross and H.R. Espiritu defeated Ally Mueller and Robin Guier, 8-2, and at No. 2 Michelle Beyronneau and Eri Yoshimoto defeated Amanda Wise and Kaitlin Callin, 8-2.

The Highlanders won five of the six singles matches, with only one reaching the third set. The Highlanders got wins from Beyronneau, Cross, Espirtu, Catrisha Cabanilla and Colette Chau.

UC Riverside 6, UC Davis1

DOUBLES
1. Cross/Espiritu (UCR) def Ally Mueller/Robin Guier (UCD) 8--2
2. Beyronneau/Yoshimoto (UCR) def. Amanda Wise/Kaitlin Callin 8-2
3. Ashley Lehman/Audri Wingo (UCD) def. Cabanilla/Chau (UCR) 8-3

SINGLES
1. Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) def. Ally Mueller (UCD) 4-6, 6-4, (10-6)
2. Casey Cross (UCR) def. Robin Guier (UCD) 7-5, 6-1
3. H.R. Espiritu (UCR) def. Audri Wingo (UCD) 6-2, 6-2
4. Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) def. Katlin Callin (UCD) 6-4, 6-3
5. Yuka Otaka (UCD) def. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) 6-2, 7-6
6. Colette Chau (UCR) def. Amanda Wise (UCD) 6-2, 6-0

UC Irvine Defeats UCR, 6-1

(April 14, 2005) - The UC Irvine Anteaters handed the UC Riverside Highlanders a 6-1 loss in a Big West Conference meet at the Student Recreation Center Tennis Courts in Riverside Thursday. The Highlanders are now 8-11 on the season and will compete in the Big West Tournament at Indian Wells next week.

Junior Casey Cross gave the Highlanders' their lone point with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Izabela Mijic at No. 2 singles. UCR won at No. 1 doubles behind Cross and H.R. Espiritu, who defeated Inna Agababian and Anna Bentzer 8-3, but lost the two remaining matches.

Espiritu took her singles match against Hui Leow to the super-tiebreaker with a 7-6 win in the second set following a 6-2 loss in the first. The tiebreaker went into overtime, but Leow prevailed, 11-9.

UC Irvine 6, UC Riverside 1

DOUBLES
1. Cross/Espiritu (UCR) def. Inna Agababian/Anna Bentzer (UCI), 8--3
2. Izabela Mijic/Hu (UCI) def. Beyronneau/Yoshimoto (UCR), 8-5
3. Becky Bernhard/Hui Leow (UCI) def. Cabanilla/Chau (UCR), 8-1

SINGLES
1. Anna Bentzer (UCI) def. Michelle Beyronneau (UCR), 6-1, 6-1
2. Casey Cross (UCR) def. Izabela Mijic (UCI), 6-2, 6-1
3. Hui Leow (UCI) def. H.R. Espiritu (UCR), 6-2, 6-7 (11-9)
4. Inna Agababian (UCI) def. Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR), 6-4, 6-3
5. Becky Bernhard (UCI) def. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR), 6-2, 6-1
6. Jessica Broadfoot (UCI) def. Colette Chau (UCR), 6-1, 6-0

"Mysterious" Idaho to Face Highlanders in Tourney Opener

(April 19, 2005) - The UC Riverside Highlanders' women's tennis team will face a bit of a mystery as they take on the University of Idaho in the first round of the Big West Championship tournament at Indian Wells Thursday.

The Highlanders (8-11, 2-6) are the seventh seed in the tournament and face the No. 10 Vandals (6-5, 0-0) at 3:00 PM on Thursday. The mystery lies in whether the Vandals are better than their No. 10 seeding. Big West rules do not force teams to play each other during the regular season, and as such Idaho has not played a Big West opponent this year and are coming off of wins at Gonzaga and Eastren Washington last weekend. In fact, this weeks' trip will mark the teams' first foray outside the Washington-Idaho-Montana area.

The teams have played one common opponent, Montana. UCR defeated Montana 4-3 on March 21, while Idaho defeated them 5-2 on March 12.

For the Highlanders, the No. 7 seed is the best in the program's history.They are led by senior Michelle Beyronneau, who has an 18-13 record this season, including an 11-8 mark in dual matches. Junior Casey Cross is 14-12 overall and 11-7 in dual matches, and freshman H.R. Espiritu is 15-10 overall and a team best 13-6 in dual matches.

For the full bracket, click here.

For more information, click here.

Idaho Defeats UCR in Tourney Opener

(April 21, 2005) - No. 10 Idaho staged an upset of No. 7 UC Riverside thanks to the play of the bottom three players on the singles ladder, earning a 4-0 victory in the Big West Women’s Tennis Championship first round on Thursday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Kareen Konishi at No. 4, Efrat Leopold at No. 5 and Tara Fielding at No. 6 all cruised to easy victories for the Vandals. Konishi was a 6-1, 6-1 winner over Catrisha Cabanilla and Leopold downed Eri Yoshimoto 6-1, 6-0. Fielding posted a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Colette Chau.

The Highlanders held leads at the top three singles spots but all those matches were suspended upon completion of the match. No. 1 player Michelle Beyronneau held a 6-3, 4-3 lead over Patricia Ruman when play was halted.

Idaho won the doubles point to begin the match with triumphs at the No. 2 and No. 3 spots. The Vandals got an 8-2 win from Mariel Tinnirello and Fielding over Cabanilla and Chau at No. 3. Jessica Hubbard and Konishi defeated Beyronneau and Yoshimoto 8-5 at No. 2. Idaho improved to 8-6 on the season while UC Riverside dropped to 8-12.

The Vandals battle No. 2 seed UC Santa Barbara at 2:00 p.m. on Friday in quarterfinal action. The Highlanders face off against Cal State Fullerton for ninth place on Friday at 5:00 p.m

Idaho (4) vs. UC Riverside (0)

DOUBLES
1. Cross/Espiritu (UCR) def. Ruman/Leopold (UI) 8-0
2. Hubbard/Konishi (UI) def. Beyronneau/Yoshimoto (UCR) 8-4
3. Tinnirello/Fielding (UI) def. Cabanilla/Chau (UCR) 8-2

SINGLES
1. Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) vs. Patricia Ruman (UI) DNF
2. Casey Cross (UCR) vs. Jessica Hubbard (UI) DNF
3. Mariel Tinnirello (UI) vs. H.R. Espiritu (UCR) DNF
4. Kareen Konishi (UI) def. Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) 6-1, 6-1
5. Efrat Leopold (UI) def. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) 6-1, 6-0
6. Tara Fielding (UI) def. Colette Chau (UCR) 6-1, 6-1

Titans, Highlanders Go Distance, but CSF Prevails, 4-3

(April 22, 2005) - No. 8 seed Cal State Fullerton outlasted No. 7 seed UC Riverside for ninth place at the Big West Women’s Tennis Championship, winning a tightly contested 4-3 match at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Friday.

The match came down to No. 1 singles, the only match that lasted three sets. Junior Ruya Inapulat won for the Titans over UCR’s Michelle Beyronneau by a score of 6-2, 1-6, 6-4.

The Titans also won matches at No. 2 and No. 5 singles. Gina Le was a 6-3, 6-2 winner over Casey Cross and Freeman bested Eri Yoshimoto 7-5, 6-2.

The Highlanders captured victories from H.R. Espiritu at No. 3, Catrisha Cabanilla at No. 4 and Colette Chau at No. 6.

The Titans earned the all-important doubles point to go up 1-0 in the match, as Inapulat and Le clinched the point at No. 2 doubles with an 8-4 victory over Beyronneau and Yoshimoto.

Cal State Fullerton concludes its 2005 season 7-15 while UC Riverside ends at 8-13.

Cal State Fullerton (4) vs. UC Riverside (3)

DOUBLES
1. Rocha/Tran (CSF) vs. Cross/Espiritu (UCR) DNF
2. Inapulat/Le (CSF) def. Beyronneau/Yoshimoto (UCR) 8-4
3. Freeman/Dunbar (CSF) def. Cabanilla/Chau (UCR) 8-2

SINGLES
1. Ruya Inalpulat (CSF) def. Michelle Beyronneau (UCR) 6-2, 1-6, 6-4
2. Gina Le (CSF) def. Casey Cross (UCR) 6-3, 6-2
3. H.R. Espiritu (UCR) def. Carla Rocha (CSF) 6-2, 6-1
4. Catrisha Cabanilla (UCR) def. Mai Ly Tran (CSF) 7-5, 6-4
5. Caroline Freeman (CSF) def. Eri Yoshimoto (UCR) 7-5, 6-2
6. Colette Chau (UCR) def. Chip Dunbar (CSF) 6-1, 6-3

Three Highlanders Named All-Big West

(April 26, 2005) - Senior Michelle Beyronneau (Yucaipa, CA), junior Casey Cross (Rancho Mirage, CA) and freshman H.R. Espiritu (Yorba Linda, CA) earned All-Big West honors in women's tennis, the conference announced Tuesday.

Beyronneau, who played No. 1 much of the year, earned second-team honors in singles after posting an 18-14 record in singles play, including an 11-9 mark in dual matches. No. 2 singles player Cross was honorable mention in singles, posting a 14-13 overall mark and an 11-8 mark in dual matches.

In doubles, the team of Cross and Espiritu were named to the second team. The duo played number one doubles for the Highlanders, posting a team-best 7-4 mark.