Alabama Falls to Kentucky, 4-3
3/4/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- The No. 60 University of Alabama women's tennis team (4-4, 2-0) falls to higher ranked Kentucky (10-1, 2-0) today at the UA Varsity Courts.
"I felt like we competed well today, said head coach Jenny Mainz. "The last match was a big one for Alabama and I'm proud of Bianca (Svensson) for pulling that one out. She made a statement by finishing and I think it was big win for the team. We had opportunities in singles and doubles but we did not take advantage of them. We rallied back today after getting beat Friday and we came out ready and competed hard. I think the program and our team took a step forward today."
Kentucky took an early lead over Alabama after clinching the doubles point. The Wildcats played solid at the No. 2 spot to grab the first win, however, the Tide dominated at No. 3 giving them their first victory. The match came down to court one where Kentucky outlasted Alabama to clinch the point.
Alabama's Shelley Godwin and Bianca Svensson defeated Witney Spencer and Caroline Winebrenner, 8-3, earning the Tide's only doubles victory. With the win, the pair improves to 6-1 in dual matches this season.
Carolina Escamilla and Sarah Woestmann of Kentucky downed Nicole Briceno and Paulina Bigos, 8-2, while Kim Coventry and Joelle Schwenk defeated Mari Muller and Andrea Brenes of Alabama, 8-5, clinching the doubles point.
Kentucky kept control of the match in singles, winning four of the six contests. Alabama put in one last effort but it was too late, for Kentucky had already clinched the match.
Freshmen Briceno and Alice Tunaru earned singles wins for the Tide, defeating their opponents in straight sets. Briceno beat Carolina Escamilla, 6-3, 6-3 at the No. 3 slot, while Tunaru topped Sarah Woestmann, 6-3, 6-2 at the No. 4 spot. Svensson defeated Jessica Guiggioli in three sets, 7-5, 4-6, 10-8 to earn the last victory of the match.
Bigos fell to Whitney Spencer, 6-1, 6-1 at the No. 5 slot, while Godwin lost to Joelle Schwenk, 7-5, 6-0 at No. 2. Kim Coventry clinched the match for Kentucky with a win over Mari Muller, 6-4, 6-1 at the No. 1 slot.
Alabama continues conference play on the road next weekend at Ole Miss Friday, Mar. 9 at 4 pm and Mississippi State Sunday, Mar. 11 at 1 pm.
-UA-
Results
Doubles:
1. Kim Coventry/Joelle Schwenk (UK) def. Mari Muller/Andrea Brenes (UA) 8-5
2. Carolina Escamilla/Sarah Woestmann (UK) def. Nicole Briceno/Paulina Bigos (UA) 8-2
3. Shelley Godwin/Bianca Svensson (UA) def. Whitney Spencer/Caroline Winebrenner (UK) 8-3
Order of finish: 2,3,1
Singles:
1. Kim Coventry (UK) def. Mari Muller (UA) 6-4, 6-1
2. Joelle Schwenk (UK) def. Shelley Godwin (UA) 7-5, 6-0
3. Nicole Briceno (UA) def. Carolina Escamilla (UK) 6-3, 6-3
4. Alice Tunaru (UA) def. Sarah Woestmann (UK) 6-3, 6-2
5. Whitney Spencer (UK) def. Paulina Bigos (UA) 6-1, 6-1
6. Bianca Svensson (UA) def. Jessica Guiggioli (UK) 7-6, 4-6, 10-8
Order of finish: 5,3,2,4,1,6
