In a thrilling season opener on the road, the WKU Women’s Tennis team (0-1) engaged in a fierce contest against host Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), ultimately falling short with a 4-3 scoreline at the Greg Adams Tennis Center. Despite the defeat, the match showcased the team’s resilience, individual achievements, and the competitive spirit that will undoubtedly define their journey in the upcoming season.
Key Moments and Coach’s Perspective:
- Doubles Duel and EKU’s Strong Start:
- The Lady Toppers initiated the opening match on a positive note, securing the doubles point with victories in the No. 1 and 2 positions.
- Blanco and Martinez demonstrated their prowess by defeating EKU’s Cote and Polevoi with a solid 6-3 victory.
- Cortez and Kopecka engaged in a competitive battle, clinching a hard-fought win against Fedenko and Parkhomenko with a score of 7-6 (7-2). However, the No. 3 position saw Hernandez and Hermanova falling to Hill and Triska with a 6-2 score.
- Singles Success and Battling Performances:
- The Lady Toppers showcased individual brilliance in singles competition, claiming victories in the No. 5 and 6 positions.
- Blanco exhibited her tenacity, securing a win as Olcer retired, while Kopecka displayed dominance with a convincing 6-1, 6-2 triumph over Triska.
- Despite the team’s overall efforts, challenges were encountered in other singles matches. Cortez, Hermanova, Hernandez, and Damera engaged in hard-fought battles, each facing formidable opponents from EKU.
- Coach Greg Davis’s Remarks:
- Coach Greg Davis acknowledged EKU’s commendable performance, emphasizing the crowd support and effort that played a role in the outcome.
- Despite the defeat, the coach highlighted the positive start by Blanco and Kopecka, who secured impressive wins in both singles and doubles categories.
- Looking Ahead:
- The Lady Toppers now turn their attention to their home opener against Bellarmine on Friday, Jan. 19, scheduled to commence at 6 p.m. The upcoming match presents an opportunity for WKU to regroup, learn from the season opener, and showcase their resilience on their home turf.
In a season that promises excitement and challenges, WKU Women’s Tennis has laid the groundwork for a competitive and spirited campaign. The narrow loss to EKU serves as motivation for the team to refine their strategies, build on individual successes, and collectively aim for triumphs in the matches to come. As they prepare for the home opener, the Lady Toppers remain determined to leave an indelible mark on the season.
Final Results
Singles (Order of finish: 1,4,3,5,2,6)
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
Doubles (Order of finish: 3,2,1)
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
