Lopes win Vorster's debut in Phoenix

Sunday, January 19

Phoenix, Ariz.

10 a.m.

Grand Canyon

UC San Diego

Photo by: Nate Cochran

1/19/2025 6:00:00 PM | Women's Tennis

Box Score

5 newcomers compete in first team match for GCU

By: Braden Dohrmann

Grand Canyon women's tennis began its new era under head coach Dané Vorster with a convincing victory over UC San Diego at GCU Tennis Facility on Sunday.

Vorster claimed her first win as head coach for GCU, as she extended the Lopes' home winning streak to 11 dating back to last season.

"I am really pleased with the way we competed together as a team straight away," Vorster said. "I thought the leadership from the girls that have been here were a huge help."

The seven players on the roster were all involved in the win, with freshman Peyton Duckett taking care of Court 6 for the sixth and final point after sitting out doubles.

All three doubles matchups were close ones, with the Tritons' Julia Haynes and Naomi Nguyen winning 6-4 on Court 1 against GCU junior Dania Deaifi and freshman teammate Karina Hofbauer. Courts 2 and 3 were up for the challenge, however, as freshmen Bella Crossman and Angelina Mihajlovic won 6-3 on Court 3 and senior Valentina Del Marco and sophomore Gala Arangio clinched the doubles point with a 6-4 win on Court 2.

Singles saw four straight-set victories for the Lopes. Arangio took Court 3 via forfeit after winning the first set. Deaifi won 6-3, 6-2 over UCSD's Grace Gamal on Court 2, a major promotion from being a Court 6 mainstay last season. Crossman clinched the match for GCU on Court 4 with a 7-5, 6-4 victory, a memorable first collegiate singles victory.

Crossman, Duckett and Hofbauer made their college tennis debuts Sunday.

"Today was great experience for our freshmen and newcomers," Vorster said. "Just being here for two weeks and stepping up to the plate the way they did, I am super proud of them. It will be huge for their confidence moving forward."

GCU only has five more home matches on the schedule and will need to be great on the road throughout the season.

The Lopes have quite the test next weekend when they head to the ITA Kickoff Weekend in Berkeley, California. The Lopes will face the 13th-ranked Cal, the host, on Friday and either Oklahoma or San Diego State on Saturday.