Tide?s Stephenson Falls in NCAA Second Round
5/25/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
PALO ALTO, Calif. ?? Alabama's Robin Stephenson lost a hard-fought three-set match Thursday in the second round of the NCAA Singles Championships to California's No. 27 ranked Suzi Babos, 6-4, 2-6, 3-6.
"This was a tough match," Alabama head coach Jenny Mainz said. "Both players played well and it was the type of match you expect to see in the NCAA Championships."
Stephenson started the match on a solid note by winning the opening set. However, Babos jumped ahead quickly in the second set when Stephenson began to struggle with her serve. Babos was able to capitalize on several double faults and seized control of momentum. Babos would go on to win the second set to force a third.
In the deciding set, Stephenson jumped out to a 2-0 lead. However, Babos answered with a break of her own to even the set at 2-2. From there, Babos effectively sealed off the baseline, which allowed her to apply pressure on Stephenson's service game. Babos would break Stephenson's serve one more time and then served out the match to clinch the win.
For Stephenson, the loss ends the most successful singles career in the history of Alabama tennis. She exits as the school's all-time winningest singles player, a distinction she also holds in doubles. But her collegiate career isn't over just yet, though. Tonight at 8:30 p.m. she'll take to the courts with doubles partner Ashley Bentley as the duo begins play in the NCAA Doubles Championships.
Fans can keep up with tonight's doubles match via live stats at www.gostanford.com
