Feb. 4, 2012
Lexington, Ky. – The University of Kentucky women’s tennis team continued its nine-game home stretch this weekend with a match against No. 48 Purdue. The Wildcats fought hard but ultimately dropped the match, 6-1.
As doubles play began, it was clear that competition would be fierce between the two evenly matched teams. Sophomore Caitlin McGraw paired up with freshman Edmée Morin-Kougoucheff at the No. 1 doubles position to take on Purdue’s Jennifer Rabot and Mara Schmidt. The duos both put on strong performances, but UK ultimately took the victory, 8-5.
After Stephanie Fox and Cece Witten suffered their first loss at doubles on the season, it was up to junior Jessica Stiles and sophomore Marni Venter to win the doubles point. The two battled against Imogen Golder and Gisella Pere in a close match but could not grab the win, losing 9-7.
The most dominating performance of the day came from sophomore Cece Witten, who took on Anna Dushkina at the No. 5 singles position. Witten barely faltered throughout the match, easily taking the victory, 6-2, 6-1.
While Kentucky was unable to grab another win in singles play, every match was played close. Freshman Stephanie Fox almost required a third set for her match against Schmidt, where she ultimately lost, 6-3, 7-6 (4). Morin-Kougoucheff also participated in a heated match with a final score, 7-5, 6-4.
“Today we played a very disciplined Purdue team,” said seventh-year head coach, Carlos Drada, “We had some great opportunities. The score does not reflect the competitiveness that we had throughout the match. We’re moving in the right direction. Our ladies came to compete with great spirit and determination. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”
The No. 71 Wildcats continue play tomorrow at 5 p.m. ET as they take on Miami (Ohio) at the Hilary J. Boone Varsity Tennis Complex.
For continuing coverage of UK women’s tennis log on to UKathletics.com.
