CARY, N.C. – Jenna Thompson won a decisive third set on Court 3 to clinch a 4-3 Clemson (16-11, 3-10 ACC) victory over Virginia Tech (10-14, 1-12 ACC) in the first round of the ACC Tournament on Wednesday. It is the second consecutive season in which Thompson clinched a 4-3 victory over the Hokies to open conference tournament play.
With the tight match at 7-6 (7-3), 2-6, 5-4, Thompson needed a service break to secure the victory. She delivered just that as her teammates mobbed her in celebration for the second time in as many years.
“There was a lot at stake today, both in the ACC Tournament and for our program’s greater aspirations,” said Head Coach Amy Sargeant. “We got off to a slow start in doubles, but quickly regained our footing winning four first sets. This gave us the momentum we needed, especially on Court 1 as Eleni saved her best tennis for the biggest moment of her career. This lead to a domino effect that pushed Dani and Cris to play on their terms and compete at the peak of their ability. The ultimate goal today was to act and compete like champions, and this is why Jenna “Mighty Mouse” Thompson had the courage to step up for her team and keep this journey going for Team 48.”
The Hokies got off to a quick start in doubles, registering their first win on Court 1 by a score of 6-2. Shortly after, Thompson and Leigh Van Zyl got the Tigers back on track as they defeated Virginia Tech’s Cartledge and Richtrova, 6-2. The doubles point came down to Court 2 where the Hokies won 6-2 to take a 1-0 lead.
Eleni Louka looked solid from the first serve for the Tigers, beating No. 49 Oslem Uslu 6-2, 6-1 to tie things up at one a piece. No. 113 Dani Medvedeva continued her winning ways as she pushed the Tigers to a 2-1 lead after winning in straight sets 6-1, 6-4. The Hokies brought the score to 2-2 shortly after with a 6-4, 6-3 win on Court 5. Cristina Mayorova soundly defeated Virginia Tech’s Barad Itzhaki 6-3, 6-3 to extend the Clemson lead to 3-2 with only one win needed to clinch victory.
The Hokies would not back down, as they registered a 6-4, 6-3 victory on Court 6 to push the match to 3-3. For the second year in a row against Virginia Tech, it all came down to Thompson’s court. Her and Aksu battled for three sets, but it was Thompson who once again ended Virginia Tech’s season.
Up next, the Tigers return to the court on Thursday, April 20 at 10 a.m. as they take on No. 5 seed Miami in the second round of the ACC…