SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – The Cal Lutheran women's tennis team battled back from an early deficit to secure a hard-fought 4-3 victory over UC Santa Cruz on Saturday morning.

After dropping the doubles point, the Regals relied on a strong singles performance to complete the comeback, highlighted by Evelyn Oltmans' clinching victory at the No. 3 position.

UC Santa Cruz opened the match by claiming the doubles point with wins at No. 1 and No. 2. Cal Lutheran's lone doubles victory came from Eva Toplak and Anaya Ayanbadejo at the three spot, where the duo earned a 6-3 win.

The Regals quickly shifted momentum once singles play began. Ayanbadejo delivered the first point for Cal Lutheran with a commanding 6-3, 6-0 victory at No. 5, and Toplak followed shortly after with a 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 6 to give the Regals a 2-1 lead.

The Banana Slugs responded with a win at their top singles position before Grace Balasian added a key point at No. 4. After dropping the opening set, she rallied to defeat her opponent 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 and push Cal Lutheran ahead 3-2.

UCSC evened the match at 3-3 with another singles win at No. 2, leaving the outcome to be decided by the third spot.

Oltmans delivered under pressure, battling through a tight opening set before pulling away for a 7-6 (8-6), 6-2 victory to clinch the match and secure the win for the Regals.