Sept. 19, 2008
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Kentucky began the fall tournament slate at the Gator Fall Classic Friday morning hosted by the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla.
Senior Carolina Escamilla, juniors Sarah Woestmann and Christine Johnston, and sophomore Megan Broderick all played in the Flight A main draw Friday morning. Woestmann, ranked No. 83 in the nation, played against Notre Dame’s Kristen Rafael. The Kentucky junior maintained the lead, winning 6-4, 6-4. Broderick, ranked No. 55, faced Iciri Rai of South Florida. Although Rai remained close in the first set, Broderick pulled out an overwhelming victory during the second set, taking the prize, 7-5, 6-2.
The Wildcat’s No. 118 Johnston saw action against Notre Dame’s Kristy Frilling during the day’s main draw. Frilling defeated Johnston with a two-set decision, 6-2, 6-2. Johnston continued into the consolation draw to match up against Caitlin Orletsky of Central Florida. Johnston reversed her first round score and defeated the Knights’ Orletsky, 6-2, 6-2. The Ohio native is set to take the court with Jenny Frisell of Central Florida on Saturday.
UK’s Escamilla was pitted against No. 43 Kelcy Tefft of Notre Dame. The Fightin’ Irish took the court with a 6-0, 6-3 decision. After heading into the consolation draw, Escamilla took out UCF’s Elvira Serrot in a 6-3, 6-1 showdown. Escamilla’s consolation round will continue Saturday as she faces South Florida’s Rai.
In Flight B action, sophomore Lauren Meier and Kentucky newcomers Jennifer Stone and Caroline Lilley each took to the courts. Stone’s collegiate debut proved successful, taking the win in a tie-breaker. The UK freshman defeated South Florida’s Lauren Shumate, 4-6, 6-1, 1-0 (7). Stone then went on to beat Florida’s Jo Mather in a convincing second round two-set match, allowing only four opponent points which came in the second set for a 6-0, 6-4 victory.
Meier faced off with Andrea Yacaman of Central Florida during the morning first rounds, but saw defeat to the Knight, 6-2, 2-6, 1-0(8). The consolation round showed success for Meier as she served UCF’s Christy Core a 6-3, 6-1 verdict on the court. Meier will continue singles action Saturday with UCF’s Alexis Rodriguez on the service line.
Kentucky’s Lilley earned a first round bye and began play against South Florida’s Natalia Guevara. The USF Bull stamped out the Wildcat for a 7-6(4), 6-4 triumph. Lilley will take a shot at redemption in the next round facing Central Florida’s Isa Ohlinger.
In doubles action, partners Broderick and Woestmann, and the No. 16 duo of Escamilla and Johnston, each received first round byes in the main draw. Lilley and Meier served against Janette Bejlkova and Rai of South Florida. The Kentucky tandem came out on top, 8-5, and will extend their court time to Saturday when they contend with Florida’s Mather and Anastasia Revzina. UK’s Stone was paired with Notre Dame’s Rafael. The odd couple prevailed against South Florida’s Guevara and Jessica Sweeting, 8-2. Stone and Rafael will compete for a 2-0 doubles record against UK’s Escamilla and Johnston in Saturday’s matches.
Athletes from the Gators, UCF, Notre Dame and South Florida join the Wildcats in competition during the three-day tournament. All players are guaranteed to play at least three singles matches with a main draw, a consolation draw and a back-draw.
Seven of the eight members of Kentucky’s team are set to participate in the Gator Classic. Play is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. ET each day.
For complete coverage of the Kentucky women’s tennis team, please visit www.UKathletics.com.
