SAN DIEGO – Point Loma hosted their second Division I opponent of the season on Tuesday afternoon when Southern Utah University made their way to San Diego. After winning a close match over Idaho State back in February, the Sea Lions hoped they could topple another opponent from the top NCAA division. While they put up a tough fight, it would be the Thunderbirds who came away with the 5-2 victory.
 
The Thunderbirds came out strong in doubles play and were able to sweep the matches to earn the valuable doubles point. Point Loma was overmatched at No. 3 doubles, falling 6-1, with No. 1 doubles falling 6-3 shortly after. Michelle Torres and Shelby Groeneveld played competitively but fell 6-4 to complete doubles play.
 
Gabi Armas earned the first point for the Sea Lions after her opponent retired down 4-1 in their initial set. The next two points would go to the Thunderbirds to put them ahead 3-1 earning wins on courts four and five. Groeneveld put together one of her most complete performances of the season facing the top singles competitor for Southern Utah and earned an impressive 6-4, 6-1 victory. The last two matched would go in favor of the Thunderbirds to secure the win, 5-2.

Team Records
Point Loma 4-3, SUU 5-5

Wheeler's Words
On the women coming off such a long break since their last match: "It is always tough to compete with that big of a break. For some of them I think they played a little better because they had time to rest, others seemed to lack a little bit of rhythm which can happen when you haven't played a match in a week and a half. It was tough and it was challenge for some of the players to work themselves into that rhythm. Doubles was not our best effort today, the other team was very good early, and the doubles result shows that it is a sprint and you have to come ready to go." 

On Groeneveld's performance today: "She has struggled with a back injury that has given her issues early this year. She was one of players today who came back ready to play and mentally tough. She played with a lot of confidence but remained calm throughout her match. We put a good deal of emphasis on playing calm and not getting too high or too low during a match. It showed with her today and she played some of her best singles of the entire season."

On preparing for this weekend: "For doubles we need to come out a little more aggressive. We need to be ready to play and ready to take it to the other team. Outside of that we need to make sure we are mentally tough and focused on the task at hand. If we can take care of that, I like our chances of getting two wins."

News and Notes
> Both of Camaratta's singles losses have been in three sets. 
> Both Armas and Groeneveld earned singles wins today after dropping their previous two matches. 
> This was the first competition for the Sea Lions since February 23. 

Up Next
The Sea Lions host Western New Mexico on Friday at 10 a.m. in a doubleheader with the men's team.

Results
Box score

Match Notes:
Southern Utah University 5-5
Point Loma 4-3; National ranking #20
Order of finish: Doubles (3,1,2); Singles (2,5,4,1,3,6)
T-2:32 A-22