Freshman Angela Lorenzo had a strong first outing with the Cougars as she earned her first collegiate victory on Friday. | Quinton Huebner/The Cougar
The Cougars hosted the Solinco Houston Open this weekend, when the weather permitted, and brought the necessary strong start that makes UH stand out.
A day that may have been dreary and dark for other Houstonians will stick out for freshman Angela Lorenzo, as she earned her first career collegiate win during day one of the Solinco Houston Open.
Lorenzo was lucky enough to complete her first singles match 6-3 and 6-1 without a shake-up, despite the threat of inclement weather.
“I felt so good because it was my first win and it was a great feeling,” Lorenzo said.
Senior Charlotte Phillips and junior Rocio Martin got rained out of their first round singles matches Friday. All playing was pushed back to continue on Saturday.
In doubles, Lorenzo and her partner Martin collected a win against St. Edwards 8-3. On Saturday, their efforts were more consistent as they completed their doubles match 7-2.
However, not all thunderstorms bring bad news, and the Cougars took the opportunity to use the saved energy for Saturday when it was needed the most.
Philllips had a long Saturday, having been scheduled to play three games. But she also had the will to make it to the championship by winning all three of her singles matches, making her the first Cougar in school history to win three matches in one day.
Not only did she set a UH record, but Phillips also earned her first victory over Rice University since a semi-final win in 2011. At one of her three matches Saturday, she walked off the court against Rice player Solo Kinko with an impressive 6-0 and 6-3.
“Yesterday was a tough day, but I was playing really well,” Phillips said. “To get a win over Rice is always nice.”
Solid play on Friday and Saturday took Martin to her toughest match of the open on Sunday against an opponent that took the game into a tiebreaker.
“I think this match was the biggest and the best one of the tournament for me, and I felt like I was getting better through the tournament,” Martin said. “Even though it’s the last day and you’re tired, you have to do everything you can. I enjoyed it, it was tough, but I enjoyed it.”
To finish out the tournament strong, Lorenzo won the singles tournament title.
The Riviera/ITS Women’s All American Championships are coming up, and just before Halloween, the team will be traveling to Los Angeles to take on the best of the AAC.
The Cougars are looking forward to priming themselves for even greater achievements away from home.
“We’re trying to get better and just look to improve,” Martin said. “We need to be ready for the next tournament.”
