March 20, 2011
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky women’s tennis team got singles victories from senior Megan Broderick and freshman Khristina Blajkevitch, but fell on the road to Texas Tech at the McLeod Tennis Center in Lubbock, Texas, 4-2.
The Wildcats (3-13, 1-3 Southeastern Conference) and Red Raiders had to battle the weather in addition to competing against each other on the tennis courts. The two squads began play with singles, but thunder and lightning forced them back into their respective locker rooms for nearly an hour.
Texas Tech returned to the courts captured victories at Nos. 5 and 6 singles, but the Cats continued to fight. Three of the day’s six singles matches went to three sets, including Broderick’s co-team-leading seventh victory, and freshman Khristina Blajkevitch’s fifth singles victory.
Broderick faced Texas Tech’s Elizabeth Ullathorne at No. 1 singles. After dropping the first set 6-4, Broderick bounced back to take the second set by the same score. The two then played a complete third set which Broderick, a Tampa, Fla., native, took in thrilling fashion, 7-6 (5).
Blajkevitch, playing at No. 4 singles, faced Haley Fournier, and like Broderick, dropped the first set by a 6-4 count. Also like Broderick, Blajkevitch rebounded in the second set to win 6-3 and force a decisive third set. In the final set, Blajkevitch, a Victoria, Canada, native, came out on top with a 7-6 (3) victory.
Sophomore Jessica Stiles dropped a heartbreaker to Samantha Adams 7-6 (4), 7-6 (11-9). Stiles and Broderick lead the Cats with seven singles victories each. Freshman Caitlin McGraw also lost a heartbreaker in three sets, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.
UK and Texas Tech did not play any doubles matches.
The Wildcats will cap off their grueling six-match road trip on Friday in Tuscaloosa, Ala., to face off against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Go to UKathletics.com for all Kentucky women’s tennis news.
AGATE
McLeod Tennis Center
Lubbock, Texas
Mar 19, 2011
Texas Tech 4 Kentucky 2
Doubles competition:
Not played
Singles competition:
1) Megan Broderick (UK) def. Elizabeth Ullathorne (TT) 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5)
2) Samantha Adams (TT) def. Jessica Stiles (UK) 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (11-9)
3) Caroline Starck (TT) def. Caitlin McGraw (UK) 2-6, 6-3, 6-2
4) Khristina Blajkevitch (UK) def. Haley Fournier (TT) 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3)
5) Kelsy Garland (TT) def. Marni Venter (UK) 6-1, 6-0
6) Nikki Sanders (TT) def. Cece Witten (UK) 6-1, 6-0
Order of finish:
Doubles: Not played
Singles: 5, 6, 3, 2*, 1, 4
