Walnut, CA - In a compelling face-off on February 26, the Hope International University Royals women's tennis team (1-5) clinched a decisive 6-3 victory for their first win of the season against the previously undefeated Mt. SAC Mounties in the regular-season match held in Walnut, CA. The Royals showcased a strong performance, underpinning their resilience and tactical prowess across both singles and doubles competitions.

Eva Echeverri led the charge, securing wins in both her singles match against Paige Valenzuela with scores of 6-3, 7-5 and her doubles match alongside Merrit Dubourdieu, overcoming Mia Vo and Tabitha Ortiz 8-4. Ellie Black also stood out, dominating her singles match against Kasandra Uy with a convincing 6-1, 6-2 victory, and teaming up with Nicole Escamillo to win their doubles match 9-7 against Uy and Valenzuela. Melody Kilonzo contributed to the team's success with a hard-fought win over Sichen Chang, battling to 7-6, 7-2 in their match.

The victory was marked by significant performances that underscored the Royals' deep bench strength and strategic gameplay. The wins by Echeverri and Black in both their respective singles and doubles matches were pivotal, illustrating their versatility and critical roles in the team's success. These standout performances provided a significant boost, setting the tone for the remainder of the match and ultimately sealing the win for Hope International.

Looking ahead, the Royals will carry this momentum into their next game scheduled for March 4 at the Fullerton Tennis Center, where they will face Jessup in another exciting showdown. Fans and supporters of the Royals are hopeful that the team's cohesive play and individual prowess will continue to shine as they advance through the season.