BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The No. 2 overall seeded Texas A&M women’s tennis team punched its ticket to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the second-straight season following a win over No. 15 seed Tennessee (4-1), Friday at the Mitchell Tennis Center.
Sending the Maroon & White (30-2, 13-0 SEC) to Orlando was freshman Daria Smetannikov, as she downed Esther Adeshina on court 5. After going down early and losing a tight opening set, 7-5, Smetannikov responded in a timely manner, as the team faced an onslaught from Tennessee (21-6, 11-2 SEC) in the second sets. Under the immense pressure, she went on to claim the final two sets (6-1, 6-4), and booked A&M’s ticket to the Elite Eight.
The Aggies opened the day claiming a dramatic, down-to-the-wire doubles point. The Volunteers were the early aggressors, as they secured a win on court 1. However, No. 35 Mia Kupres/Mary Stoiana leveled the teams with a come-from-behind victory over Catherine Aulia/Lauren Anzalotta on court 3 (6-4). With the point resting on a tiebreaker on court 5, it was Gianna Pielet/Jeanette Mireles who got the job done as the duo outlasted Eleonora Molinaro/Daria Kuczer (7-6(5)).
The program career leader in singles wins, No. 108 Jayci Goldsmith, added another to her tally. The graduate responded from a loss in doubles, as she bested Molinaro on court 4 (6-3, 6-4), doubling the Maroon & White’s advantage.
The team leader in singles wins this season, No. 2 Stoiana, continued her hot-streak as she won her fifth-straight match, and 38th of the season. She dominated fellow top-25 ranked opponent in Tennessee’s No. 21 Elza Tomase on court 1 (6-2, 6-1), leaving A&M one point from victory, ultimately allowing Smetannikov to deal the final blow.
COACH’S QUOTES
Head coach Mark Weaver on the today’s match …
“I knew it was going to be a battle. I think the home courts really paid off for us today, as the 12th Man really showed up and supported us. I think we made the match a bit harder than we needed to, but we just have to learn to put teams away when we have a great advantage.”
Coach Weaver on the team’s trip to Orlando earlier this season …
“We are excited to have some experience with the UTSA National Campus’ courts and the professional atmosphere they bring, as well as the hot weather in Florida. I am proud of and happy for these girls to…
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