Missing a star player in any game, let alone in a rivalry matchup, is almost guaranteed to trigger struggles.

But not for the Bruins.

Shorthanded No. 6 UCLA women’s tennis (3-0) triumphed over No. 18 California (1-2) by a score of 4-2. Despite missing their No. 1 singles and doubles player – senior Kimmi Hance – because of illness, the Bruins kept their undefeated season alive Sunday at the Los Angeles Tennis Center.

“We always told them that we’re going to need all eight players for us to win matches here,” said coach Stella Sampras-Webster. “They were prepared to step up when their name was called. … It was great to see the team just not panic and just know what they needed to do.”

Senior Elise Wagle – Hance’s doubles partner – was instead paired with sophomore Bianca Fernandez, who made her 2025 debut Sunday. In a duel that ultimately granted the doubles point to the Bruins, Wagle and Fernandez defeated No. 48 Lan Mi and Berta Passola Folch, 6-4.

“This was the first time I played with Bianca,” Wagle said. “We have such good chemistry. … Although that was our first match we’ve ever played together, we’re able to talk to each other, we’re able to figure things out.”

To begin singles action, No. 38 junior Anne-Christine Lutkemeyer trounced No. 35 Katja Wiersholm in a wire-to-wire 6-2, 6-1 victory.

“I had a game plan going into the match,” Lutkemeyer said. “I wasn’t really thinking about rankings. … I was just focused on playing aggressive and focusing on my movement.”

Against the Golden Bears, reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Week Kate Fakih continued her singles win streak, defeating No. 71 Mao Mushika 6-4, 6-4 for her third victory of 2025.

Just one final blast separated the Bruins from yet another taste of glory.

And in this iteration of the UCLA versus Cal rivalry, a senior delivered the final blow. No. 53 Wagle defeated No. 63 Lan Mi 6-4, 5-7, 6-3.

“She’s always got such weapons that can put her opponent in trouble,” Sampras-Webster said. “We definitely work on that transition game where she can come forward and be able to take balls out of the air, hit overheads and finish points. … It’s great to see her just building her game and getting more confident.”

Coming off an ITA Kickoff Weekend victory against Washington on Jan. 25, Wagle said the Bruins focused on maintaining energy throughout the week by pushing each other in preparation for Sunday.

Next, the Bruins will head to Urbana, Illinois, to compete in the ITA National Team Indoor Championships beginning Feb. 7.

“It’s really important for us to stay healthy,” Sampras-Webster said. “But even if we aren’t healthy, I think our team’s competitive spirit is huge. … They have each other’s back. So if someone’s down, they’re going to step up, and we’re going to do our best to win every match.”