Sun Devils Erase Early Deficit to Pull Out 4-2 Win Against Kansas State

TEMPE, Ariz. – Back at Whiteman for the first time in a month, the Sun Devils wiped away an early 2-0 deficit to pull out a thrilling 4-2 win on Saturday against Kansas State, courtesy of Domenika Turkovic's match-sealing singles win on Court 2.

The Sun Devils' (5-2) big boost came in singles play, when four of six matchups were decided in their favor. Their win against the Wildcats was their fourth at home this year in four tries, a welcomed sign given the team's lengthy homestand that is forthcoming.

Freshman Patricija Spaka earned her team-best sixth singles win of the season and Giulia Morlet, the Sun Devils' mainstay at the No. 1 singles position this year, upset No. 68 Karine-Marion Job for her first loss of the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Sun Devils found themselves in an early 2-0 hole after failing to capture the lone singles point with losses on Courts 2 and 3. Patricija Spaka and Domenika Turkovic, the country's No. 60 doubles team, earned a 6-1 win on Court 1.

Despite the deficit, the Sun Devils made up quick ground in singles play, with a trio of wins by Patricija Spaka (6-2, 6-1), Cali Jankowski (6-4, 6-1) and Giulia Morlet (6-3, 6-3).

With a trio of singles wins to give the Sun Devils their first lead of the day at 3-2, two matches remained on Courts 2 & 3, with Turkovic and Sedona Gallagher forcing a third set.

Turkovic, who fell in the opening set to Kansas State's Maria Linares, rallied to steal the final two sets, pulling out the 4-6, 7-6, 7-3, win that clinched the Sun Devils' fifth win of the season.

Sophomore Natasha Hill made her season debut, playing out of Court 3 on doubles alongside Cali Jankowski and Court 6 on singles.

COACH'S CORNER
Head coach Sheila McInerney: "Always rewarding to get a hard fought win. We knew Kansas State would be tough, as they are well coached and compete well. We didn't play as well as we needed to in the doubles but I was happy with our energy and fight in the singles. I thought everyone came out and played well in singles matches and Domi played a very good third set to clinch the win for us."

UP NEXT
Sunday's tilt against Kansas State marked the first of a five-match homestand for the Sun Devils. They'll welcome San Diego on February 26 at 12:00 p.m. and Kansas on February 27 at 12:00 p.m.