Jan. 17, 2009
FORT MYERS, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF women's tennis team returned to the courts for the first time since Nov. 9 as it conclude the first day of the Florida Gulf Coast/Johan Kriek Tennis Classic Saturday. The Knights battled No. 37 Illinois in singles, as well as No. 43 USF and Stetson in doubles.
"It was definitely a great first day of competition after not playing since November," said head coach Stephanie Nickitas. "We are just easing our way back into our schedule. But I am very happy with our doubles play today and I hope we can continue that through the rest of the weekend."
The tournament is played in a hidden-dual format, with the overall results not affecting the teams' records. This will help the Knights prepare for their upcoming dual-match season which starts at home vs. Florida A&M Thursday.
UCF was able to come away with two singles victories against the Fighting Illini on day one. Sophomore Jenny Frisell took her opponent, Marisa Lambropoulos to the limit and ultimately prevailed in a 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 thriller. Junior Katie Orletsky also picked up a win, getting past Kristina Minor, 7-6, 6-4.
Over in doubles, the duo of senior Elvira Serrot and freshman Andrea Yacaman cruised past USF's Iciri Rai and Jessica Zok, 8-3. Meanwhile, Frisell and partner freshman Alexis Rodriguez collected an 8-6 triumph over Allyn Muller and Lauren Shumate.
Along with a three-match sweep of Stetson in doubles, the Black and Gold completed Saturday with a 5-1 record in doubles action.
The tournament resumes on Sunday with the Knights finishing up the event on Monday.
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UCF's Day One Results at the FGCU TournamentSingles vs. No. 37 IllinoisNo. 89 Leigh Finnegan (ILL) def. Elvira Serrot (UCF) 6-3, 6-4Megan Fudge (ILL) def. No. 70 Andrea Yacaman (UCF) 6-0, 6-2Jenny Frisell (UCF) def. Marisa Lambropoulos (ILL) 7-6, 4-6, 7-6Chelcie Abajian (ILL) def. Alexis Rodriguez (UCF) 6-3, 6-3Amy Allin (ILL) def. Christy Core (UCF) 6-3, 6-1Katie Orletsky (UCF) def. Kristina Minor (ILL) 7-6, 6-4Shivani Dave (ILL) def. Kenza Belbacha (UCF) 6-3, 6-4
Doubles vs. No. 43 South FloridaElvira Serrot/Andrea Yacaman (UCF) def. Iciri Rai/Jessica Zok (USF) 8-3Jenny Frisell/Alexis Rodriguez (UCF) def. Allyn Muller/Lauren Shumate (USF) 8-6Natalia Guevara/Jessica Sweeting (USF) def. Christy Core/Katie Orletsky (UCF) 8-6
Doubles vs. StetsonDoubles vs. StetsonElvira Serrot/Andrea Yacaman (UCF) def. Valentina Galbarini/Katherine Nowicki (STET) 8-5Jenny Frisell/Alexis Rodriguez (UCF) def. Breanna Atkinson/Shannon Gunning (STET) 8-1Christy Core/Katie Orletsky (UCF) def. Natalie Gorham/Katherine St. Clair (STET) 8-4