Oct. 11, 2002

Pacific Palisades, Calif. – The ITA/Riviera All-American Tournament came to an end for UK women’s tennis on Friday. Sarah Witten and Nathalie Roels were defeated by Oklahoma State’s Linda Flatykova and Katia Kolouynska, the No. 7 team in the country.

Witten and Roels lost by a score of 8-4, but went on an impressive run to reach the round of eight, beating some of the nation’s top teams, including two in the top 10.

“It was a great tournament for them,” assistant coach Carlos Drada said. “This was just the second tournament they had played together, so for them to get as far as they did says a lot about their talent and their character.”

Witten, a senior on UK’s squad, has been playing at a high level her whole career and Roels has impressed everyone as a freshman.

“I was really pleased with Sarah’s determination,” Drada said. “For her to want to win so bad and having Nathalie come in as a freshman partner, what they’ve accomplished in such a short time is amazing. This team means a lot to the Kentucky program.”

The Cats next tournament action will be at the Vanderbilt Fall Tournament beginning Friday, Oct. 18.

Doubles Qualifying, First RoundWitten/Roels def. No. 17 Piriou/Rush (NW), 8-3

Doubles Qualifying, Second RoundWitten/Roels def. No. 46 Arias/Martinez (WSU), 8-1

Doubles Qualifying, Third RoundWitten/Roels def. No. 6 Kops-Jones/Fusano (Cal), 8-3

Doubles Main Draw, First RoundWitten/Roels def. No. 5 Barnikow/Burdette (Stan), 8-4

Doubles Main Draw, Second Round (Elite 8)No. 7 Faltykova/Koloynska (OSU) def. Witten/Roels, 8-4