The University of Kentucky womens tennis team improved its record to 4-3 on Tuesday, Feb. 20, when it notched a 7-0 victoryover the Purdue Boilermakers (2-6) in the Hilary J. Boone Tennis Complex.
The Wildcats came out hot, refusing to surrender a set on the day. Both sophomore Sarah Witten and senior Brooke Skeenextended their winning streak to three, while junior Carolina Mayorga bounced back from a hard-fought loss at Florida to regain herstride with a straight-sets win over Erika Quebe. Sophomores Leigh Bradwell and Amy Trefethen also had big showings as they lookto gain confidence and bring stability to the No. 4 and 6 positions respectively.
Skeen and partner Lauren Rookledge continued their dominant play in doubles competition. The tandem, who recently moved in therankings at No. 33, crushed Purdues Lisa Walgenbach and Erika Quebe 8-1.
“This was a great performance,” Coach Mark Guilbeau said. “This team gained a lot of confidence today by implementing what theyhave worked so hard towards. Each individual now understands their strengths as a player. We feel like we really played well atFlorida, we just didnt come out with a win. We have learned from that loss and played well today.”
UK jumped above the .500 mark with their drumming of the Boilermakers and also claimed their fourth home-shutout win of theseason. The Cats have not lost a match at the Boone Tennis Center this year.
The Cats will hit the courts again on Saturday, Feb. 24, when they take on the 26th-ranked Ole Miss Rebels in Oxford, Miss.”This weekend is going to be a big test for us,” Assistant Coach Kathy Herring said. “We feel good about itthough, and we are looking to get a big SEC win.”
UK 7, PU 0 Singles1. Carolina Mayorga, UK def. Erika Quebe, PU 6-3, 7-52. Brooke Skeen, (#78) UK def. Melissa Iqbal, PU 6-2, 6-23. Sarah Witten, UK def. Melissa Woods, PU 6-1, 6-24. Leigh Bradwell, UK def. Grethen Haynor, PU 6-3, 6-25. Lauren Rookledge, UK def. Lisa Walgenbach, PU 6-2, 6-36. Amy Trefethen, UK def. Lynsey Fick, PU 7-5, 6-1 Doubles (one point for best two out of three)1. Mayorga/Witten, (#13), UK def. Woods/Wright, PU 8-62. Skeen/Rookledge, (#33) UK def. Walgenbach/Quebe, PU 8-13. Stafford/Bradwell, UK def. Fick/Iqbal, PU
