National Titles on the Line for Jacobs, Paražinskaite
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Two University of Kentucky women’s tennis players, graduate student Akvile Paražinskaite and redshirt junior Lesedi Jacobs, will compete on fall tennis’ biggest stage at the International Tennis Association Fall Nationals in Newport Beach, California, Nov. 6-10.
Jacobs and Paražinskaite, who are undefeated in nine doubles matches this fall, will compete in the doubles draw of 32 at fall nationals. The UK pair is one of 12 doubles teams in the field to earn qualification into the tournament by winning their regional championship. Jacobs and Paražinskaite defeated five doubles teams at the Ohio Valley Regional Championships in October to win their second straight tournament title of the season.
In addition, Jacobs’ 6-2 fall singles record and 10.44 Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) helped her earn one of 21 at-large spots in the singles draw of 64.
The Oracle ITA National Fall Championships features 128 of the nation’s top collegiate singles players (64 men and 64 women) and 64 doubles teams (32 men’s team and 32 women’s teams). In its third year, having replaced the ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships, it is the lone event on the collegiate tennis calendar to feature competitors from all five divisions playing in the same tournament.
A total of 40 men and 40 women earn automatic qualification into the singles draw based on their performance in a series of prior fall events (Oracle ITA Masters, Milwaukee Tennis Classic, ITA All-Americans, ITA Cup and ITA Regionals). Additionally, one Oracle Wild Card, two ITA Wild Cards and 21 at-large selections per gender receive entry into the championships. The doubles championships provide 19 automatic qualifiers per gender, with one Oracle Wild Card, two ITA Wild Cards and 10 at-large selections completing the field (selection criteria).
The women’s tournament will play at Newport Beach Tennis Club Wednesday through Friday before all play (men’s and women’s) moves to Newport Beach Tennis Club on Saturday and Sunday.
Sunday’s singles finals at the Newport Beach Tennis Club will air live on ESPN3 with Bryan Fenley, Marc Lucero and Jasmine Minor describing the action. Both finals will re-air on ESPNU with dates and times to be announced. Complete draws will be released on Tuesday.
Live scoring and draws will be posted on UKathletics.com when they become available.
About the Intercollegiate Tennis Association
The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) is committed to serving college tennis and returning the leaders of tomorrow. As the governing body of college tennis, the ITA oversees men’s and women’s varsity tennis at NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and Junior/Community College divisions. The ITA administers a comprehensive awards and rankings program for men’s and women’s varsity players, coaches and teams in all divisions, providing recognition for their accomplishments on and off the court. For more information on the ITA, visit the ITA website at www.itatennis.com, like the ITA on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Next on the Schedule
Select players will compete in the International Tennis Federation 15K in Orlando, Florida, Oct. 11-17. The ITF produces opportunities to earn rank in the World Tennis Association where players compete as unaffiliated individuals.
For the latest on the Kentucky women’s tennis program, follow @UKWomensTennis on Twitter and on Instagram, on Facebook and on the web at UKathletics.com.
