LA JOLLA, Calif. Long Beach State University Athletics celebrated notable progress on October 2, 2026, as two of its womens tennis players advanced to the Round of 16 at the Big West Fall Tournament in La Jolla, California. The team participated in ten singles matches throughout the day with mixed results.
Fifth-seeded Cecilia Costa secured a commanding 6-0, 6-3 victory over Fullertons Martina Puvill Fuentes to reach the Round of 16. Pamela Badillo also advanced by defeating UC San Diegos Neha Guru 7-5, 6-3 in the Round of 32.
In other singles matches, seventh-seeded Satsuki Ishikawa of CSUN defeated Long Beach States Elen Janatacova in a three-set match. Thea Jagare and Diana De Simone were both eliminated from the main singles draw. Costa and Badillo were later defeated in the Round of 16 by UC Santa Barbara players Caroline Beard and Raphaelle Leroux, respectively.
Long Beach State players also excelled in extra singles matches. Daria Malaescu defeated UC Irvines Maily Huynh 6-1, 6-2; Sonia Van San won 6-2, 6-3 against Sacramento States Irene Riva; and Makaila Cheng prevailed in a close match over CSUNs Annette Robertson 3-6, 6-1, 10-6.
On the doubles side, two Long Beach State teams advanced to the doubles quarterfinals scheduled for October 3, 2026. The doubles teams of Diana De Simone and Sonia Van San, along with Makaila Cheng and Daria Malaescu, won their extra doubles matches to continue in the tournament.
CSB Take
Long Beach State Womens Tennis showcased depth and competitiveness at the Big West Fall Tournament, advancing two players to the Round of 16 in singles and securing multiple wins in extra singles and doubles matches. While losses in the Round of 16 indicate areas to improve against conference rivals such as UC Santa Barbara, the promising doubles performances and wins outside the main draw provide a foundation for growth. Continued focus on close-match execution will be vital as the team progresses through the fall season and seeks to rise within the Big West Conference standings.
Source: Original report
