Roadrunners Edge Fullerton, 5–4, in Season Opener

The College of the Desert women's tennis team opened the 2026 season with a gritty road victory on Thursday, slipping past Fullerton College, 5–4, in non-conference play.

The Roadrunners (1–0) built early momentum in doubles and won three key singles matches to hold off the Hornets (0–3) in a match that came down to the final points.

Doubles Play

COD grabbed two of the three doubles courts to take a 2–1 lead into singles.

At No. 1 doubles, the freshman duo of Sophie Cordova (Palm Desert H.S.) and Lindsey Lopez (Downers Grove {IL} North) controlled the match from the start, earning an 8–4 victory.

The No. 3 team of Sofia Torres (Indio H.S.) and Mia Castillo (Indio H.S.) picked up a crucial point via walkover to give the Roadrunners the early edge.

Fullerton's lone doubles point came at No. 2.

Singles Play

Cordova continued her strong debut at the top of the lineup, dominating her No. 1 singles match with a 6–1, 6–0 win.

COD added two more straight-set victories in the lower half of the lineup.
Freshman Sofia Campbell (El Cajon Cabrillo Point Academy) rolled to a 6–1, 6–1 win at No. 5, while sophomore Liliana Ruiz (Thermal Coachella Valley) secured another point for the Roadrunners with a walkover victory at No. 6.

Those three singles wins proved to be the difference in the narrow 5–4 team result.

Up Next

The Roadrunners continue non-conference play on the road Thursday, February 5, when they travel to Whittier to face Rio Hondo. First serve is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Match Results

College of the Desert 5, Fullerton College 4
Non-Conference | Fullerton, CA

DOUBLES
D1: Cordova / Lopez (COD) def. Johnson / Lopez (FC) — 8-4
D2: Morales / Luz (FC) def. Ruiz / O. Ramirez (COD) — 8-0
D3: Torres / Castillo (COD) — walkover

SINGLES
S1: Sophie Cordova (COD) def. Destiny Lopez (FC) — 6-1, 6-0
S2: Amerie Johnson (FC) def. Lindsey Lopez (COD) — 6-7, 6-4, (10-5)
S3: Giana Morales (FC) def. Sofia Torres (COD) — 2-6, 6-2, (10-7)
S4: Anne Kelley Luz (FC) def. Mia Castillo (COD) — 7-5, 3-6, (10-6)
S5: Sofia Campbell (COD) def. Ayda Camara (FC) — 6-1, 6-1
S6: Liliana Ruiz (COD) — walkover

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information, Photo & Story provided by COD Sports Information.