Feb. 20, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - UCF had revenge on its mind Wednesday at the UCF Tennis Complex, and the Knights' women's tennis team succeeded with its goal as it defeated North Florida, 6-1. UCF moved to 2-0 at home this year and 3-4 on the season.
"The match was a lot closer than the final score reflected," said head coach Stephanie Nickitas. "We did a very good job of winning three three-set matches and that showed that this team has come a long way, especially after we lost to UNF last year 6-1."
The Knights cruised past North Florida (2-4) in doubles action, sweeping all three matches for the early 1-0 overall lead. At No. 1, senior Kyla McNicol and freshman Jenny Frisell defeated Natalia Sanchez and Carolina Melo, 8-5, while senior Jennifer Carati and junior Elvira Serrot blanked Maria Melihova and Ina Durcakova at No. 2, 8-0. Over at No. 3, senior Anna Yakimchenkova and junior Kenza Belbacha edged Vanessa Sanchez and Victoria Krook, 8-6, to complete the sweep.
Only two singles matches went straight sets, as Frisell had no trouble vs. Vanessa Sanchez at No. 2, a 6-1, 6-1 victory, and McNicol posted a 6-3, 6-3 win at No. 3 over Durcakova. With a 3-0 advantage, Yakimchenkova erased a one-set deficit en route to a 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 triumph against Krook at No. 5, securing the team win.
"After losing the first set, Anna was able to recover and remain competitive to win the clinching point," said Nickitas. "It was great to see a senior demonstrate her leadership, and to never give up after falling behind."
Picking up the final two points on the afternoon, Belbacha got past Melihova at No. 4, 6-1, 6-7, 6-1, and Carati eased by Melo at No. 6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.
UCF gets right back to work Saturday when it hits the road to face Jacksonville at noon.
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UCF 6, North Florida 1Doubles competition1. Kyla McNicol/Jenny Frisell (UCF) def. Natalia Sanchez/Carolina Melo (UNF) 8-52. Elvira Serrot/Jennifer Carati (UCF) def. Maria Melihova/Ina Durcakova (UNF) 8-03. Anna Yakimchenkova/Kenza Belbacha (UCF) def. Vanessa Sanchez/Victoria Krook (UNF) 8-6
Singles competition1. Natalia Sanchez (UNF) def. Elvira Serrot (UCF) 6-3, 6-7, 1-0 (12-10)2. Jenny Frisell (UCF) def. Vanessa Sanchez (UNF) 6-1, 6-13. Kyla McNicol (UCF) def. Ina Durcakova (UNF) 6-3, 6-34. Kenza Belbacha (UCF) def. Maria Melihova (UNF) 6-1, 6-7, 6-15. Anna Yakimchenkova (UCF) def. Victoria Krook (UNF) 4-6, 6-1, 6-16. Jennifer Carati (UCF) def. Carolina Melo (UNF) 6-2, 4-6, 6-4
Match Notes:North Florida 2-4UCF 3-4 ="https://ucfknights.com/http:%3E%3C/ahref="http:>="https://ucfknights.com/http:%3E%3C/ahref="http:>="https://ucfknights.com/http:%3E%3C/ahref="http:>