Glenn Connelly / Photo Editor

If doubles matches were all that mattered, the San Diego State women’s tennis team would have nothing to worry about.

In its last two matches, SDSU has claimed the doubles point against formidable opponents, including No. 35 UC Irvine.

Unfortunately for the Aztecs, singles matches are not only an integral part of the sport, but also account for most of the scoring.

And after losing to No. 52 Arizona 4-3 on Sunday at LaNelle Robson Tennis Center in Tucson, Ariz., despite winning another doubles point, it is clear that singles play is the most lacking facet of SDSU’s game.

“I think we played very well in doubles,” head coach Peter Mattera said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t perform how we wanted to in singles. We didn’t play with the intensity that we needed and, as a result, we were one point short in singles.”

The No. 51 Aztecs have entered an annual difficult portion of their schedule that coach Mattera refers to as “March Madness.” At this point in the schedule, he usually expects SDSU to be reaching its full potential in every area of its game with conference play just a few weeks away.

So far, Mattera isn’t convinced that’s happening.

“In singles, we’re still a bit lost and have quite a ways to go,” Mattera said. “We had a couple (Aztecs) playing well, but (all) six of them were expected to carry us through.”

It hasn’t been all bad for SDSU (5-6), however.

Senior Sisse Nielsen pulled out a three-set victory, while junior Milana Yusupov was victorious in straight sets. But it wasn’t enough, as the Aztecs dropped a one-point decision to the Wildcats (7-6) for the second consecutive year.

While the close loss was only a slight improvement from Wednesday’s 5-2 loss to UCI, Mattera said his team can turn things around if they begin taking control of matches.

“You cannot let other teams dictate to you,” Mattera said. “That has been the story for us in singles over the last couple of matches, but hopefully we’ll be able to right the ship, turn it around and start going in the right direction.”

SDSU will have that chance against No. 61 Penn at noon on Saturday at the Aztec Tennis Center as one of its top players likely returns.

No. 71 Julia Trunk has missed the last five matches because of a knee ligament sprain. The freshman from Bad Saulgau, Germany, will help improve the Aztecs’ depth. Whether she plays at the No. 1 or No. 2 position, her presence will allow the rest of her team to slide down one spot.