Women's Tennis Closes Out Regular Season at Auburn
4/16/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
April 16, 2010
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The No. 73 women's tennis team (9-11, 2-8 SEC) closes out its regular season on Saturday, April 17 when it heads to Auburn, Ala., to take on the 52nd-ranked Tigers (9-9, 3-7 SEC). The match is slated to begin at 6:00 p.m. CST.
The Crimson Tide split a pair of conference matches last weekend. Alabama took care of No. 66 Mississippi State 6-1 before falling 4-1 to No. 18 Mississippi. On Friday against the Bulldogs, the Tide took the doubles point in commanding fashion. Freshman Alexa Guarachi, ranked No. 60 in the nation in singles this week, came through with the clinching victory on court two. On Sunday against the Rebels, Alabama lost the doubles point after dropping a hard-fought 8-6 decision on court three. Guarachi and doubles partner sophomore Courtney McLane collected win at the No. 1 spot, taking down the 13th-ranked duo of Kristi Boxx and Karen Nijssen 8-5. Guarachi and McLane are now ranked No. 17 in the nation. Guarachi came through with another victory in singles action as well, but that was the only point the Tide would register on the day.
Auburn also split its pair of matches last weekend, defeating Mississippi State and losing to Mississippi. The Tigers had lost four consecutive matches prior to the win over the Bulldogs. Auburn has had very little success against ranked opponents this season, only able to collect one win in 10 opportunities. However, that win came at home against No. 18 South Carolina, as the Tigers upset the Gamecocks 4-3. Auburn has been a solid team at home this season, holding an 8-3 record. Senior Fani Chifchieva is the only ranked player for the Tigers, coming in at No. 47 in the latest poll. Auburn also has one doubles duo nationally ranked, as senior Myrthe Molenveld and freshman Paulina Schippers are currently ranked No. 79. Alabama owns a slim 27-24 advantage over the Tigers in the all-time series, including winning both meetings last season.
Next up, the Tide travels to Athens, Ga., for the 2010 SEC Women's Tennis Championships. First round play will begin on Thursday, April 22.
Players Mentioned
