COLUMBUS, Ohio – With sporadic rain showers forecasted throughout the day, Saturday’s match was moved indoors where the Vanderbilt women’s tennis team defeated Wake Forest 4-1 in the first round of the NCAA Regional at the Ty Tucker Tennis Center.
After taking the doubles point, the Commodores took first sets on four out of six courts in singles. Freshman Valeria Ray clinched the match for the Dores and secured their advance when she overcame former Vandy student-athlete Marcella Cruz, now a Demon Deacon, in two sets.
“Even though we had tough opponents on all six courts, I am very proud of how we all fought and stayed in each match,” said Ray. “It felt great to get the win today with such amazing energy out there from everyone!”
Just prior, Holly Staff also defeated her Wake Forest opponent, Sankavi Gownder, 6-2, 6-3 in straight sets, as did No. 13 Célia-Belle Mohr who came out victorious over No. 36 Casie Wooten on Court 1.
In doubles, Vanderbilt quickly gained the early lead. Commodore duo Staff and Mohr, ranked 53rd, led Vandy in defeating No. 86 Cruz and Brooke Killingsworth 6-1. Anessa Lee and Amy Stevens secured the doubles point on Court 3 when they overcame Krystal Blanch and Mia Ahmad.
Singles
1. #13 Mohr (Vanderbilt) def. #36 Wooten 6-2, 6-0
2. Killingsworth (Wake Forest) def. #74 Bridget Stammel 6-3, 6-2
3. Ray (Vanderbilt) def. Cruz 6-3, 6-3
4. Lee (Vanderbilt) vs. Nevena Carton 7-6 (0), 3-2, unfinished
5. Staff (Vanderbilt) def. Gownder 6-2, 6-3
6. Stevens (Vanderbilt) vs. Blanch 3-6, 6-6 (2-2), unfinished
Doubles
1. #53 Mohr/Staff (Vanderbilt) def. #86 Cruz/Killingsworth 6-1
2. Stammel/Ray (Vanderbilt) vs. Wooten/Whitley Pate 5-4, unfinished
3. Lee/Stevens (Vanderbilt) def. Blanch/Ahmad 6-4
Up Next: Vanderbilt will face the winner of the second first-round match in Columbus between No. 12 national seed host Ohio State and Toledo Sunday at 11 a.m. CT.
