Jan. 18, 2013
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky women’s tennis team will host Morehead State and Belmont on Saturday in a doubleheader to open the 2013 season at the Boone Tennis Complex. The Wildcats take on Morehead State at 10 a.m. followed by Belmont at 6 p.m.
“Our team is eager to compete in this upcoming season,” UK head coach Carlos Drada said. “We have a strong core of upperclassmen who have gained valuable experience during the last two years and ready to put that to the test.”
Carlos Drada leads the Wildcats into the spring season, beginning his eighth year as the head coach of the UK women’s tennis program. Following a 9-14 2012 season, Kentucky took full advantage of the 2012 fall to make steady improvements.
The fall season concluded with a strong performance from the Wildcats at the Tennessee Fall Invite, including two individuals finishing the event 3-0 in singles play. Senior Jessica Stiles placed second in singles competition, after finishing the weekend 3-0 and one point behind the singles champion.
“We are making strides in the right direction and this will be made apparent with the way we will compete this spring,” Drada said. “All of our players are award of the SEC standard and are eager to meet the challenge.”
The Wildcats enter the season with two players ranked, a first for the program since 2006. Freshman Nadia Ravita comes in at No. 78 and junior Caitlin McGraw being ranked No. 117 in the ITA Preseason Rankings.
Morehead State will enter Saturday with one match of experience as they take host Marshall on Friday night. The young Eagles team is made up of six freshmen and two seniors. Morehead State finished the 2012 season 11-10.
Belmont will face Georgetown College in Lexington on Friday before facing the Wildcats on Saturday. The Bruins finished the 2012 season 5- 13, 2-7 in Ohio Valley Conference play.
Kentucky looks to start the season in similar fashion as 2012, when the Wildcats opened the season 8-1. Sophomore Stephanie Fox was a main contributor in the 2012 season, posting a 12-11 dual record. Stiles finished last season with a 12-10 record, including a 12-9 record from the No. 1 spot.
Live scoring of Saturday’s matches will be available on UKathletics.com. For constant updates throughout the day, follow @UKWomensTennis on Twitter.
Game day Information
– Admission to Saturday’s matches at the Hilary J. Boone Tennis Complex is free.
– Free Parking is available in Parking Structure No. 7.
– Match programs and free posters will be available for all in attendance.
