WICHITA, Kan. - Freshman Jessie Zheng cliched the match over No. 45 Kansas by winning a three-set dual on the fifth line, giving the Shockers their first ranked win since 2019 at the Coleman Tennis Complex on Saturday.
 
Doubles
The ranked duo of Sarvinoz Saidhujaeva and Marta Bellucco increased their win total to nine by knocking off the Kansas pair of Smagina/Karvouni, 6-3. The clinch was provided by Jessie Zheng and Ting-ya Hsu when they beat Ngounoue/Deming by the same margin, 6-3.
 
Singles
Unlike when the Shockers played the Jayhawks up in Lawrence, the team was able to continue its momentum into singles play. Saidhujaeva picked up the first win of singles play in an impressive 6-4, 6-1 victory. Hsu managed to break her lengthy losing streak to pick up an important win on the third line, 6-2, 6-3. She was down 0-2 in the first set and proceeded to never trail again in the match after leveling at 2-2.
 
Kansas managed to tie the score at three-all with wins at two, four, and six. The crowd gathered around the fifth court to watch Zheng as she was in the beginning of her third set. She had just lost the tiebreak in the second, but she was able to keep her composure and went on to win the third set in convincing style, 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3.
 
Quotes from the Coach
Head Coach Colin Foster
"When the losses start to accumulate, it's human nature to perhaps doubt yourself or lose some belief, but this group has remained resilient and determined. Our doubles have been competitive all season, so it's no surprise that we continue to do well in that area. In singles, Sarvi has lost to that opponent a handful of times and they know each other well, so she had a good plan and played with great composure and strength. I didn't see any of Tina's match, but I heard her and when she's being a vocal leader it not only helps her but everyone around her. Natsu continues to fight hard, and even though she lost by her extending that match to a third set, it took the pressure off Jessie early in her third set. And finally, for Jessie to be in that situation and find a way to overcome nerves and pressure as a freshman against a good opponent, I'm just really happy for her and this group."
 
"I also want to shout out the great turnout from our fans and specifically to our men's team. They were out here at nine this morning getting after it on the practice courts and stayed and brought great energy until the final point."
 
Up Next
The Shockers host Senior Day on Wednesday versus DePaul at 3:00 p.m., at the Coleman Tennis Complex.
 
Match Results
WSU 4, KU 3
 
Singles competition
1. Sarvinoz Saidhujaeva (WSU) def. #81 Sonia Smagina (KAN) 6-4, 6-1
2. Malkia Ngounoue (KAN) def. Marta Bellucco (WSU) 6-2, 6-3
3. Ting-Ya Hsu (WSU) def. Carmen Roxana Manu (KAN) 6-2, 6-3
4. Vassiliki Karvouni (KAN) def. Natsumi Kurahashi (WSU) 6-2, 3-6, 6-1
5. Jessie Zheng (WSU) def. Tiffany Lagarde (KAN) 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3
6. Julia Deming (KAN) def. Alexandra Lazarova (WSU) 6-4, 6-2
 
Doubles competition
1. #23 Sarvinoz Saidhujaeva/Marta Bellucco (WSU) def. Sonia Smagina/Vassiliki Karvouni (KAN) 6-3
2. Ting-Ya Hsu/Jessie Zheng (WSU) def. Malkia Ngounoue/Julia Deming (KAN) 6-3
3. Tiffany Lagarde/Carmen Roxana Manu (KAN) def. Alexandra Lazarova/Natsumi Kurahashi (WSU) 6-2
 
Match Notes
Wichita State 5-12
Kansas 5-6; National ranking #45
Order of finish: Doubles (3,1,2); Singles (1,2,3,6,4,5)