Shibahara claims Oracle ITA Masters title.
Shibahara Wins #OracleITAMasters Title
October 16, 2016 | Women's Tennis
MALIBU, Calif. – UCLA's Ena Shibahara became a national champion on Sunday afternoon when she took down second-ranked Luisa Stefani of Pepperdine in the 2016 Oracle ITA Masters championship final. Going down to the wire in the third set, second-seeded Shibahara pulled out the win over her top-seeded opponent.
NATIONAL CHAMPION.
— ITA Tennis (@ITA_Tennis) October 16, 2016
Freshman Ena Shibahara pulls out a 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 win over Luisa Stefani (Pepperdine) to claim #OracleITAMasters title. pic.twitter.com/jFsjD6x908
"What an amazing three weeks to start her career with," said UCLA head coach Stella Sampras Webster of Shibahara's back-to-back appearances in ITA finals. "Winning the Oracle ITA Masters is a great accomplishment, and I couldn't be more proud of what Ena did today."
After trading game for game in the first set, Shibahara broke Stefani early to take a 3-1 lead. Dictating the pace, the Bruin freshman won 15 of 20 first-serve points and won three of five break points to take the set 6-3.
Continuing this momentum, Shibahara jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the second set after breaking Stefani twice. This would be the Bruin's last win in the second set, however, as Stefani rattled off five straight games to force a third.
Stefani and Shibahara traded holds throughout the final set. Knotted at 5-5, the Bruin finally broke her opponent to gain a 6-5 advantage and to serve for the title. Shibahara ripped a forehand cross court and Stefani was unable to chase it down. The freshman claimed the title with a 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 win in the final.
"Beating a player like Luisa--one of the best players in college tennis today--is really impressive," said Sampras Webster. "What I am most pleased with is Ena's fight in the battle as Luisa stepped it up and started to take control of the match. Some players might fold under the pressure, but Ena continued to fight and she ended up winning."Oracle ITA Masters champ!!! ??Shibahara hits the forehand winner to defeat Stefani 6-3, 4-6, 7-5! #GoBruins #OracleITAMasters pic.twitter.com/uISh0ip5Ce
— UCLA Women's Tennis (@uclawtennis) October 16, 2016
Oracle ITA Masters
Oct 13-16 at Malibu, CA (Pepperdine University)
| Singles competition | |
| 32 | Ena Shibahara (UCLA) def. Marine Cartier (Alabama State) 6-1, 6-0 |
| 16 | Ena Shibahara (UCLA) def. #74 Gabriela Porubin (Wichita State) 6-1, 6-1 |
| QF | Ena Shibahara (UCLA) def. Meible Chi (Duke) 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 |
| SF | Ena Shibahara (UCLA) def. Sara Daavettila (North Carolina) 6-3, 6-3 |
| F | Ena Shibahara (UCLA) def. #2 Luisa Stefani (Pepperdine) 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 |
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
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