LOS ANGELES – After two earlier matches were canceled due to rain, the Sea Lions finally got their first action of the 2019 season when they traveled to Cal State LA on Thursday afternoon. The team lost two of their top competitors from last season, but their returners stepped up and earned a win.
 
With Division II changing their scoring to be more consistent with Division I play, doubles now counts as just one point. The Sea Lions put up a tough battle in doubles play, but it was the Golden Eagles who came away with the one-point lead heading into singles play. Ellie Gamble and Gabi Armas came away with the only doubles victory, winning in the No. 1 position 7-6.
 
The team rallied in singles play and pushed the Golden Eagles to the limit before securing their 4-3 victory. Chelsey Ruiz of Cal State LA earned the first win, taking No. 5 singles and giving the Golden Eagles a 2-0 lead. The Sea Lions responded earning the next three wins from Elli Gamble (No. 3), Gabi Armas (No. 2), and Shelby Groeneveld (No. 1), respectively, to move into the lead 3-2. Cal State LA would even the match with a win at No. 4 singles before Nicole Camaratta came through with a big win at No. 6 singles to earn the fourth and final point for PLNU.

Team Records
Point Loma 1-0, Cal State LA 1-1

Wheeler's Words
On the message to the team going into singles play: "After doubles play, the message going into singles was to focus on playing confident tennis and staying true to your game style. There were a few times in doubles where we lost confidence and didn't play aggressive which was the difference."

On how the team responded in singles play: "The team responded really well going into singles. We were a few points away from winning 5 of the 6 singles matches in straight sets. Played true to their game style."

On the dominance of their top singles players: "Our top 3 singles spots today set the tone with 3 convincing straight set wins. All three of those ladies stepped up huge today all playing 2 spots higher than they did last season."

On preparing for Saturday's match against APU: "Being mentally ready for a tough battle with APU on Saturday is the best preparation. If we can recover quickly from losing points/games I like our chances."

News and Notes
> This is the fourth straight season Point Loma opened their season with a win. 
> Going back to last season, Ellie Gamble was won her last 11 doubles matches. 
> The team is now 7-8 all-time against the Golden Eagles and they have won their last three meetings. 

Up Next
The Sea Lions will host Azusa Pacific in a doubleheader with the men's team. The women will begin at 11 a.m. with the men following at approximately 2 p.m.    

Results
Box score

Match Notes:
PLNU 1-0
Cal State LA 1-1
Order of finish: Doubles (2,3,1); Singles (5,3,2,1,4,6)