Nov. 12, 2015
FLUSHING, N.Y. – Frances Altick and Sydney Campbell of the top-ranked Vanderbilt women’s tennis team kicked off the National indoor Intercollegiate Championships in spectacular fashion; earning two big wins.
The NIIC is no cakewalk as the tournament field is comprised of some of the most elite college tennis players in the country. After early Thursday morning matches, Vanderbilt’s two competitors move on to the second round of play.
“We had two very solid performances today by Sydney (Campbell) and Frances (Altick),” said head coach Geoff Macdonald. “They both worked really hard to prepare for this event and came out in a very strong fashion and beat two good players. So this morning was a great start for the ‘Dores.”
Campbell, a Franklin, Tenn. native earned the first win of the NIIC for the ‘Dores after handedly defeating Georgia’s Caroline Brinson in the first set, 6-1. The sophomore’s resilient offensive play carried over into the second set, but the Bulldog kept the score close only to be defeated in straight sets; 6-1, 6-4.
“Sydney played more power tennis, and came through beautifully.”
“I played really well today,” said Campbell, “and was being really disciplined with my shot selection. Caroline (Brinson) played a tough match and really made me raise my level and earn the win.”
On Friday Campbell plays the number two seed in the tournament, Cal’s No. 4 Maegan Manasse at 8:00 am ct.
Riding a six-match win streak before heading to New York, Altick’s hard work over the summer and fall continues to play off for the senior as she defeated Michigan’s No. 19 Ronit Yurovsky 6-3 in the first set.
“Frances did a really good job at neutralizing,” Said Macdonald. “Yurovsky’s got a lot of offense and she played like Frances Altick… with tons of heart and brought down a lot of falls and forced some big errors.”
Altick continued to hold her opponent at bay in the second and final set, closing out the first round match; 6-3, 6-4. The Ohio Valley Regional Singles Champion looks to build off her win as she heads into Friday’s 8:00 am matchup against UGA’s No. 29 Ellen Perez.
“I played solid today,” said Altick. “I went up in both sets and she picked it up and narrowed the gap, so I was happy I was able to close it out. I was also able to incorporate some of the things we’ve been working on in practice, which is always good to see. I thought I did a better job of moving her and keeping it neutral, not allowing her to dictate from the middle of the court.”
