Feb. 1, 2013
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky women’s tennis team recorded its first road win of the year, traveling to Huntington, W. Va., and defeating Marshall 5-2 on Friday afternoon.
The Wildcats started off slow, falling in the first two doubles matches to lose the doubles point and forcing the No. 2 doubles match to be abandoned. UK turned it around in singles play, taking five of the six matches, including three in two sets, to fend off Marshall.
“I am proud of the maturity that our team showed during pressure situations,” UK head coach Carlos Drada said. “Everyone, including the freshmen, showed a lot of poise after losing the doubles point.”
The Wildcats comeback was sparked by two quick wins from upperclassmen. Senior Jessica Stiles got Kentucky going in singles, defeating Ellie Ball 6-1, 6-0 in the No. 2 singles slot. Junior Caitlin McGraw was second to finish for the Wildcats, giving UK a 2-1 lead with her 6-1, 6-2 win over Karlyn Timko in the No. 5 spot.
As UK’s No. 3, junior Edmée Morin-Kougoucheff dropped her first singles match of the year, falling in two sets to Maria Voscekova. Freshman Kirsten Lewis continued on for Kentucky, winning from the No. 4 slot in three sets, 6-4, 4-6, 6-0, while improving her collegiate career record to 3-0.
In the No. 1 slot, freshman Nadia Ravita earned Kentucky’s fourth point to clinch the match. Ravita fought off Dominika Zaprazna to take the match in three sets, 6-1, 3-6, 7-5. With the match clinched, sophomore Stephanie Fox defeated Kara Kucin 6-1, 6-3 to give the Wildcats a 5-2 win.
Kentucky’s win improves its record to 3-0 on the year as the Wildcats prepare to face Penn State at the Lexington Tennis Club on Sunday.
“With Friday’s match under our belt, we are looking for a great day of competition on Sunday,” Drada said.
Singles
1. Nadia Ravita (UK) def. Dominika Zaprazna (MAR) 6-1, 3-6, 7-5*
2. Jessica Stiles (UK) def. Ellie Ball (MAR) 6-1, 6-0
3. Maria Voscekova (MAR) def. Edmée Morin-Kougoucheff (UK) 6-1, 6-2
4. Kirsten Lewis (UK) def. Dana Oppinger (MAR) 6-4, 4-6, 6-0
5. Caitlin McGraw (UK) def. Karlyn Timko (MAR) 6-1, 6-2
6. Stephanie Fox (UK) def. Kara Kucin (MAR) 6-1, 6-3
Doubles
1. Dominika Zaprazna/Maria Voscekova (MAR) def. Caitlin McGraw/Nadia Ravita (UK) 8-5*
2. Ellie Ball/Kara Kucin (MAR) vs. Jessica Stiles/Edmée Morin-Kougoucheff (UK) 7-4, abd.
3. Karlyn Timko/Dana Oppinger (MAR) def. CeCe Witten/Kirsten Lewis (UK) 8-5
Match Notes:
Kentucky 3-0
Marshall 2-2
Order of finish: Doubles (3,1); Singles (2,5,3,4,1,6)
