CARY, N.C. – Two members of the University of Miami women’s tennis team took part in the prestigious ITA Women’s All-American Championships this week.
Redshirt sophomore Alexa Noel and junior Isabella Pfennig played a combined five matches, all against ranked foes, at the Cary Tennis Park and came away with a trio of victories.
“For us to grow as a program, we will have to continue becoming better as individuals,” Miami associate head coach Alex Santos said. “Both Bella and Alexa did that this tournament by playing, at times, a version closer to their best.”
Pfennig, ranked No. 66 nationally, competed in the qualifying draw, with action beginning Monday. She opened play against No. 46 Giulia Morlet, the draw’s eighth seed out of Arizona State, and earned a 7-5, 6-3 victory.
For Pfennig, it marked a reversal of her most recent outing, in which she dropped a 3-6, 6-7 (4-7) decision to Morlet just eight days prior at the Fall Ranked Spotlight, also in Cary.
In the second round of qualifying play the next day, Pfennig fell to No. 109 Jayci Goldsmith of Texas A&M, 1-6, 6-2, 6-2, to end her run in the tournament.
Noel, the No. 19 player in America, received the lone wild card invitation into the singles main draw and opened competition Wednesday. In her first matchup, a top-35 showdown, she defeated No. 34 Solymar Colling of San Diego, 6-4, 6-4.
The following day, Noel also squared off with Goldsmith, emerging victorious. The Summit, N.J., native tallied a 6-1, 6-4 result to advance to the quarterfinals.
Noel’s run in the elite event came to an end Friday, as she dropped a 6-7 (5-7), 0-6 match to No. 24 Kylie Collins of LSU.
Up next for Noel, Pfennig and the Hurricanes is a trip to Atlanta for the ITA Southeast Regional Championships, slated for Oct. 13-18 at Georgia Tech.
To keep up with the University of Miami women’s tennis team on social media, follow @CanesWTennis on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
MONDAY RESULT
Qualifying Draw – First Round
No. 66 Isabella Pfennig (UM) def. No. 46 [8] Giulia Morlet (AS), 7-5, 6-3
TUESDAY RESULT
Qualifying Draw – Second Round
No. 109 Jayci Goldsmith (TAM) def. No. 66 Isabella Pfennig (UM), 1-6, 6-2, 6-2
WEDNESDAY RESULT
Main Draw – Round of 32
No. 19 Alexa Noel (UM) def. No. 34 Solymar Colling (SD), 6-4, 6-4
THURSDAY RESULT
Main Draw – Round of 16
No. 19 Alexa Noel (UM) def. No. 109 Jayci Goldsmith (TAM), 6-1, 6-4
FRIDAY RESULT
Main Draw – Quarterfinals
No. 24 Kylie Collins (LSU) def….
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