Jacobs, Paražinskaite Upset 20th-Ranked Duo, Moves On at Fall Nationals
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Undefeated through 10 doubles matches this fall, graduate student Akvile Paražinskaite and redshirt junior Lesedi Jacobs took down the 20th-best doubles team in the nation on Wednesday, competing in the first round of the International Tennis Association Fall Nationals in Newport Beach, California.
Paražinskaite and Jacobs defeated No. 20 Alexa Graham and Sara Daavettila of North Carolina in a tough 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5) decision. The Kentucky duo will advance to the round of 16 on Thursday (time to be announced) at the Newport Beach Tennis Club.
The UK doubles team remains unbeaten through 10 straight doubles matches this fall. The twosome earned qualification into the prestigious tournament by winning the Ohio Valley Regional Championship doubles title in October.
In the singles bracket, Jacobs dropped in the first round to California’s Haley Giavara in a 1-6, 6-2, 7-5 decision. Jacobs moves to a 6-3 singles record this fall. Jacobs, a native of Namibia, Africa, was one of 21 at-large selections in the singles draw of 64.
Agate
Doubles
Akvile Paražinskaite/Lesedi Jacobs (UK) def. Graham/Daavettila (UNC) 7-6(6), 7-6(5)
Singles
Haley Giavara (Cal.) def. Lesedi Jacobs 1-6, 6-2, 7-5
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.
