Oct. 20, 2013
The University of Kentucky women’s tennis team continues to shine at the USTA/ITA Regionals in Memphis, Tenn. The team has representation in the quarterfinals of the main draw singles and semifinals in the main draw doubles competition.
No. 1 seed Nadia Ravita earned a spot in the quarterfinals in the main draw singles and semifinals in the main draw doubles after a tough day of matches. In doubles action, Ravita and teammate Caitlin McGraw had to face teammates Cece Witten and Kelsey Dieters to advance to the quarterfinals. Ravita and McGraw will face No. 6-seed Memphis.
In the singles competition, Ravita took down Ball State’s Courtney Earnest, 6-0, 6-3. In the round of 16, Ravita faced No. 14 seed Frances Altick. In a challenging three-set match, Ravita beat Altick 6-4 in the first but fell in the second set, 1-6. Ravita claimed the match winning the deciding set, 6-2.
“This is much better than last year,” Ravita said. “I’ve worked hard in the last year and the results show.”
Ravita will have to continue showing off her hard work in the quarterfinals that consist of seven seeded players. She begins Monday against No. 8-seed Marie Casares.
Freshman and No. 12 seed Aldila Sutjiadi had a strong performance today winning all five her matches and bringing home a consolation title in back draw doubles action with teammate Edmée Morin-Kougoucheff.
Sutjiadi will advance to the quarterfinals in main draw singles after taking down University of Tennessee in the round of 36 and Miami (OH) in the round of 16. Sutjiadi will face off with No. 3 seed Georgina Sellyn on Monday for a spot in the semifinals.
Dieters fell in her match to Memphis’ Anki Wind losing the first set but forcing a third set. She fell in the third set, 0-6. McGraw who made it to the round of 16 after a challenging win against No. 4 seed Mara Schmidt, fell to No. 13 seed Ashleigh Antel 6-3 in both sets.
“It’s an important step in the right direction for our team,” head coach Carlos Drada said. “This tournament is showing us what we are doing well and also what we need to improve.”
