BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The No. 2 Texas A&M women’s tennis team closes out its home slate of conference matches this weekend with a pair of Mississippi opponents. The Aggies open with No. 74 Ole Miss, Friday, April 7, with first serve set for 5 p.m., and conclude the weekend with Mississippi State on Senior Day, Sunday, April 9, with first serve set for 12 p.m.
The Aggies faced conference rival then-No. 4 Georgia for the lead in the conference over the weekend. last time out. Following a claimed doubles point and a quick strike in singles from A&M, the Bulldogs responded as they knotted the score at two. Then-No. 3 Mary Stoiana gave the Maroon & White a spark with a top-10 ranked win over then-No. 8 Lea Ma (6-4, 7-6(7)) to go up, 3-2. With a pair of matches remaining, the Aggies’ hopes fell on standout freshman then-No. 100 Mia Kupres. She battled then-No. 60 Mell Reasco in a third set tiebreaker, and the pair traded blows but it was Kupres who outlasted her opponent (7-6(3), 3-6, 7-6(1)) and clinched the match, 4-2. Salma Ewing extended A&M’s lead with a top-10 ranked win of her own over then-No. 10 Dasha Vidmanova (7-5, 5-7, 7-6(5)) to conclude the match, 5-2.
“Our team has played consistently well all season,” head coach Mark Weaver said. “We have really gotten after it this week in training, as we are always trying to find ways to improve and I’m looking forward to seeing how that translates against a solid Ole Miss team.”
The Maroon & White lead in the all-time series with the Rebels, 7-3. In the most recent matchup, the Aggies claimed a victory in Ole Miss territory, 5-2, last season.
“Another great opportunity on Sunday,” Weaver said. “Every SEC match has its challenges and Mississippi State will surely bring their best game with them. We need to be ready to execute well and close out our regular season home schedule.”
The Bulldogs have struggled against A&M historically, as the Maroon & White boast a dominant all-time record of 10-1 against Mississippi State. The Aggies have won the last five matchups, most recently securing a 7-0 sweep in Starkville last season.
Sunday’s match is the programs annual Senior Day celebration, and this year A&M will honor Carson Branstine, Salma Ewing and Jayci Goldsmith. The senior ceremony will take place once the match is concluded.
The Aggies…
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