BATON ROUGE, La. – Mississippi State’s women’s tennis doubles tandem of Alexandra Mikhailuk and Athina Pitta reeled off a doubles win on Monday to advance to the final of the ITA Southern Regional.
The MSU duo defeated Aran Teixido Garcia and Florentine Dekkkers of LSU 2-6, 6-3, 11-9 to secure their ticket to the doubles finals.
“I am very proud of Alexandra and Athina today,” assistant coach Taylor Russo said. “I loved our response after losing the first set and our willingness to make small adjustments and compete as a unit. As the match progressed, we were more focused on each individual point and were brave in the big moments. We’re excited for another opportunity to compete tomorrow.”
Mikhailuk and Pitta will meet LSU’s Antia Sahdiiea and Kinaa Graham in the ITA Southern Regional final on Tuesday at 2 p.m. CT.
With State’s appearance in the final qualifies the pair for next month’s ITA Fall National Championships in San Diego, California.
For the fifth year senior Mikhailuk, the doubles finals appearance marks the farthest she has gone in the doubles ITA Southern Regional and first doubles finals for freshman Pitta. Mikhailuk and Pitta are the first Bulldogs in recent history to reach the finals of the ITA Southern Regional.
For more information on the Bulldog women’s tennis program, visit HailState.com or search for “HailStateWT” on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
ITA Southern Regional
LSU Tennis Complex | Baton Rouge, La.
Oct. 9, 2023
Doubles Semifinals
Alexandra Mikhailuk/Athina Pitta (MSU) def. Aran Teixido Garcia/Florentine Dekkkers (LSU) 2-6, 6-3, 11-9
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