Jan. 19, 2008
FT. MYERS, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - In its first action of 2008, the UCF women's tennis team claimed six singles victories vs. No. 32 Wichita State on day one of the Florida Gulf Coast MLK/Johan Kriek Classic Saturday. The Knights also swept two doubles matches vs. No. 52 Ohio State and added one more doubles win against No. 11 Miami during the first day of the tournament.
The event includes a dual-match format with points being awarded for each victory, while UCF's team record is not affected.
"I'm really happy with the way we came out and played today," said head coach Stephanie Nickitas. "We had to shake off some early nerves, but our girls did a great job of competing against some really good opponents. There was a lot of wind out there and the girls dealt with the conditions very well. I told the girls that this is the first part of our journey, and if we continue to play the way we did today, then really good things will happen to this team."
UCF began its afternoon with a pair of doubles contests against OSU. Senior Jennifer Carati and junior Elvira Serrot picked up a win vs. Julie Blackmore and Cami Hubbs, 8-6, and senior Kyla McNicol and freshman Jenny Frisell ensured a Knights' sweep with a 9-7 triumph over Paloma Escobedo and Caitlin O'Keefe.
Even though it will not go down as a team win, the Knights surprised Wichita State in singles by posting six wins in eight matches. Serrot broke through for an upset victory over No. 77 Stephanie Dalmacio, 6-1, 6-2, and McNicol, junior Kenza Belbacha and freshman Isa Ohlinger also notched straight-set wins for the Black and Gold.
Completing the clash with the Shockers, senior Anna Yakimchenkova defeated Lenore Lazaroiu, 6-7(5), 6-2, 1-0(10-4), and junior Adrienne Roesler edged Kari Bosch, 4-6, 6-1, 1-0(10-4).
The Knights then met up with Miami in doubles, where they were able to earn one win of the three matches vs. the Hurricanes. McNicol and Frisell moved to 2-0 on the day as a doubles pair with an 8-6 performance over Jenna Osborne and Caren Seenauth.
The three-day tournament continues Sunday with UCF opening up with a doubles showdown against Stetson at 10 a.m.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. Also check out UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.
Day One Results from the Florida Gulf Coast TournamentUCF vs. No. 52 Ohio State - DoublesNo. 1 - Elvira Serrot/Jennifer Carati (UCF) def. Julie Blackmore/Cami Hubbs (OSU) 8-6No. 2 - Kyla McNicol/Jenny Frisell (UCF) def. Paloma Escobedo/Caitlin O'Keefe (OSU) 9-7
UCF vs. No. 32 Wichita State - SinglesNo. 1 - Elvira Serrot (UCF) def. No. 77 Stephanie Dalmacio (WSU) 6-1, 6-2No. 2 - Kyla McNicol (UCF) def. Anna Egorova (WSU) 7-5, 6-2No. 3 - Florentina Hanisch (WSU) def. Jenny Frisell (UCF) 3-6, 6-3, 1-0(12-10)No. 4 - Anna Yakimchenkova (UCF) def. Lenore Lazaroiu (WSU) 6-7(5), 6-2, 1-0(10-4)No. 5 - Torrie Browning (WSU) def. Jennifer Carati (UCF) 6-2, 6-2No. 6 - Kenza Belbacha (UCF) def. Laryssa Ferreira (WSU) 7-5, 6-2No. 7 - Isa Ohlinger (UCF) def. Olga Elkin (WSU) 6-1, 6-1No. 8 - Adrienne Roesler (UCF) def. Kari Bosch (WSU) 4-6, 6-1, 1-0(10-4)
UCF vs. No. 11 Miami - DoublesNo. 1 - Laura Lallverdu/Romy Farah (UM) def. Elvira Serrot/Jennifer Carati (UCF) 8-2No. 2 - Kyla McNicol/Jenny Frisell (UCF) def. Jenna Osborne/Caren Seenauth (UM) 8-6No. 3 - Gina Sabatino/Michaela Kissell (UM) def. Kenza Belbacha/Anna Yakimchnekova (UCF) 8-5