EKU WTEN def WKU in 2024 Season Opener

In a captivating season opener, the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) women’s tennis team (1-0, 0-0 ASUN) secured a hard-fought victory against in-state rival Western Kentucky (0-1, 0-0 C-USA) with a final score of 4-3. The thrilling contest unfolded at the Greg Adams Tennis Center, showcasing the competitive spirit and resilience of both teams.

Key Highlights of the Match:

1. Doubles Drama Sets the Stage:
   • The dual match commenced with a series of intense doubles encounters, setting the stage for the overall competition.
   • Madison Hill and Mariia Triska emerged victorious in their doubles match from the No. 3 court, claiming a decisive 6-2 win. However, the Lady Toppers secured wins from the top two courts, earning them the crucial doubles point.
2. Singles Brilliance and Determination:
   • Masha Fedenko exhibited dominance in her singles match from the No. 1 spot, delivering a commanding performance with a straight-set victory of 6-1, 6-2.
   • Emmeline Polevoi and Marilou Cote showcased their skills and determination, each securing straight-set victories in their respective singles matches from the No. 4 and No. 3 positions.
   • Despite a setback with Izem Elif Olcer’s retirement, Sasha Parkhomenko emerged as the match-clincher, winning a tiebreak in the third set with a score of 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7-4).
3. Singles and Doubles Results:
   • Singles Competition:
     1. Masha Fedenko (EKU) def. Paola Cortez (WKU), 6-1, 6-2
     2. Sasha Parkhomenko (EKU) def. Rachel Hermanova (WKU), 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7-4)
     3. Marilou Cote (EKU) def. Sayda Hernandez (WKU), 7-6 (9-7), 6-4
     4. Emmeline Polevoi (EKU) def. Sunskrithi Damera (WKU), 6-2, 6-4
     5. Sofia Blanco (WKU) def. Izem Elif Olcer (EKU) by retirement, 6-2, 2-0
     6. Anna-Marie Kopecka (WKU) def. Mariia Triska (EKU), 6-1, 6-2
   • Doubles Competition:
     • Paola Cortez and Anna-Marie Kopecka (WKU) def. Masha Fedenko and Sasha Parkhomenko (EKU), 7-6 [7-2]
     • Sofia Blanco and Samantha Martinez (WKU) def. Marilou Cote and Emmeline Polevoi (EKU), 6-3
     • Madison Hill and Mariia Triska (EKU) def. Rachel Hermanova and Sayda Hernandez (WKU), 6-2
4. Next Challenge:
   • The Colonels now turn their attention to the upcoming clash against former Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) and ASUN foe Jacksonville State on Friday, Jan. 19, at 11:00 a.m. The match is scheduled to take place at the Greg Adams Tennis Center, providing the EKU women’s tennis team with another opportunity to showcase their skills and competitive spirit.

In a season that promises excitement and challenges, the Eastern Kentucky University women’s tennis team has laid a strong foundation with this early triumph, setting the stage for future victories and memorable performances. The dedication and teamwork exhibited in this victory serve as a testament to the team’s commitment to excellence on the tennis court.

Singles competition 

1. Masha Fedenko (EKU) def. Paola Cortez (WKU), 6-1, 6-2  
2. Sasha Parkhomenko (EKU) def. Rachel Hermanova (WKU), 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7-4)  
3. Marilou Cote (EKU) def. Sayda Hernandez (WKU), 7-6 (9-7), 6-4  
4. Emmeline Polevoi (EKU) def. Sunskrithi Damera (WKU), 6-2, 6-4  
5. Sofia Blanco (WKU) def. Izem Elif Olcer (EKU) by retirement, 6-2, 2-0  
6. Anna-Marie Kopecka (WKU) def. Mariia Triska (EKU), 6-1, 6-2 

Singles (1, 4, 3, 5, 2, 6) 

Doubles competition 

1. Paola Cortez and Anna-Marie Kopecka (WKU) def. Masha Fedenko and Sasha Parkhomenko (EKU), 7-6 [7-2] 
2.  Sofia Blanco and Samantha Martinez (WKU) def. Marilou Cote and Emmeline Polevoi (EKU), 6-3  
3. Madison Hill and Mariia Triska (EKU) def. Rachel Hermanova and Sayda Hernandez (WKU), 6-2 

Doubles (3, 2, 1)