Feb. 23, 2002
Lexington, Ky. – The 16th-ranked University of Kentucky women’s tennis team knocked off another highly-ranked opponent on Saturday, Feb. 23 as it continues to make its bid to be one of college tennis’ elite teams. The Wildcats (9-1) charted a 5-2 victory over the 10th-ranked North Carolina Tarheels (6-2) in their last non-conference match before heading into Southeastern Conference play.
The Cats got off to a commanding start by capturing the opening doubles point. The nation’s third-ranked doubles pair of Carolina Mayorga and Sarah Witten and 25th-ranked Amy Trefethen and Jill Buckley both registered 8-2 wins over Tarheel duos to give UK the early 1-0 lead.
North Carolina bounced back in singles competition to knot the score at 1-1 with 37th-ranked Kate Pinchbeck’s win over Witten. The Wildcats responded with three straight wins from Lauren Rookledge, Trefethen and Mayorga to clinch the match. Rookledge and Trefethen both posted convincing wins leaving the Cats one victory short of the upset. Mayorga responded by coming back from an opening-set loss to defeat 32nd-ranked Marlene Mejia 6-7, 6-2, 7-5. Buckley then added a perfect 6-0, 6-0 rout of Kendrick Bunn to give UK the 5-2 dual match victory.
“Regardless of your goals, nothing is more satisfying than seeing a team reach its fullest potential,” Coach Mark Guilbeau said. “I am so proud of this group, especially the seniors. These seniors not only won huge matches today, but have done so much more to lead this team.”
“This is one match we really wanted and we worked hard to get it,” Mayorga said. “We came out and played aggressive and came up with a big win.”
The Wildcats stand to ascend in the rankings with their fifth win over a ranked opponent and an impressive 9-1 record.
“I am so excited for everyone on this team,” Rookledge said. “We are learning to put a lot of trust in each other. With this win, our goals seem more realistic than ever.”
UK will look to continue its winning ways as it begins SEC play next weekend, Mar. 1-3. The Cats will face the tough task of going head-to-head with eighth-ranked Tennessee on Friday, Mar. 1 before battling top-ranked Georgia on Sunday, Mar. 3. Both matches will be held in the friendly confines of Hilary J. Boone Tennis Center on the UK campus.
AgateUK 5, UNC 2Singles1. #31 Carolina Mayorga, UK def. #32 Marlene Mejia, UNC, 6-7, 6-2, 7-52. #37 Kate Pinchbeck, UNC def. #44 Sarah Witten, UK, 6-1, 6-23. #77 Lauren Rookledge, UK def. #70 Julie Rotondi, UNC, 7-5, 6-14. Amy Trefethen, UK def. Aniela Mojzis, UNC, 6-1, 3-6, 6-35. #130 Lee Bairos, UNC def. Leigh Bradwell, UK, 6-3, 6-26. Jill Buckley, UK def. Kendrick Bunn, UNC, 6-0, 6-0
Doubles1. #3 Witten/Mayorga, UK def. Pinchbeck/Rotondi, UNC, 8-22. Mejia/ Bairos, UNC def. #60 Bradwell/Rookledge, UK, 8-63. #25 Trefethen/Jill Buckley, UK def. #22 Cline/Mojzis, UNC, 8-2
