April 8, 2012
OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Kentucky women’s tennis team concluded its southern tour, rounding out play against No. 16 Ole Miss. The Wildcats put up a strong effort against the Rebels but could not grab a win, dropping the 7-0 decision.
Freshman Edmee Morin-Kougoucheff provided the closest match for the Wildcats. She faced Erin Stephens at the No. 3 slot, entering in a battle from the first serve. The first set consisted of back-and-forth play where Stephens barely edged out Morin-Kougoucheff for a 7-6 result. As the second set began, Morin-Kougoucheff continued to fight but Stephens pulled away to take the win, 7-6, 6-4.
Many other Wildcats contributed strong play in both doubles and singles play, but the young Kentucky team could not overcome Ole Miss’ experience.
“Our ladies played a very disciplined and experienced Ole Miss opponent,” said seventh-year head coach Carlos Drada, “They were victorious because they executed with more conviction than we did. Our players are making great improvements in many areas and we will continue trusting the process. I am proud of my players and their efforts.”
The Wildcats nex face Vanderbilt to wrap up regular season play. Kentucky will travel to Nashville, Tenn. for a Saturday afternoon matchup at 1 p.m. ET on April 14.
For more information on the UK women’s tennis team, log on the UKathletics.com.
AGATE
No. 16 Ole Miss 7, Kentucky 0
Oxford, Miss.
April 8, 2012
Doubles:
1) Kristi Boxx/Abby Guthrie (Ole Miss) def. Jessica Stiles/Caitlin McGraw (UK) 8-3
2) Gabby Rangel/Erin Stephens (Ole Miss) def. Edmee Morin-Kougoucheff/Khristina Blajkevitch (UK) 8-1
3) Julia Jones/Iris Verboven (Ole Miss) def. Marni Venter/CeCe Witten (UK) 8-2
Sinlges:
1) No. 12 Kristi Boxx (Ole Miss) def. Jessica Stiles (UK) 6-2, 6-2
2) No. 78 Caroline Rohde-Moe (Ole Miss) def. Khristina Blajkevitch (UK) 6-4, 6-0
3) Erin Stephens (Ole Miss) def. Edmee Morin-Kougoucheff (UK) 7-6, 6-4
4) Julia Jones (Ole Miss) def. Caitlin McGraw (UK) 6-1, 6-1
5) Abby Guthurie (Ole Miss) def. Stephanie Fox 6-2, 6-1
6) Vivan Vlaar (Ole Miss) def. Cece Witten (UK) 6-2, 6-2
Order of Finish:
Singles: 5, 1, 6*, 2, 4, 3
Doubles: 2, 3*, 1
