NASHVILLE, Tenn. – With a 4-0 victory over the SIU Edwardsville Cougars, the third-ranked Vanderbilt women’s tennis team advances to face No. 38 Clemson in the second round of the NCAA team tournament.
Seniors Sydney Campbell and Georgina Sellyn earned victories on Graduation Day.
These two #VU2017 pic.twitter.com/HduFoA0syH
Vandy Women’s Tennis (@Vandywtennis) May 12, 2017
“It was good to finally play a match again,” stated head coach Geoff Macdonald. “We’ve been practicing really well lately, but it just felt good to finally play a match. This is the time of year where you just let it go, play. I’ve admired our team how they handle adversity and their business quite well.
“We’re excited the play Clemson tomorrow for a spot in the Sweet 16. They had a great 4-2 match against Washington today, and our team saw that and now knows what to expect. We see tomorrow as a great opportunity and look at Clemson with a lot of respect.”
The Friday night win was the program’s 50th NCAA tournament victory, with Macdonald leading the team through the ups and downs of every NCAA journey. The Dores now head into tomorrow’s 1 p.m. second round matchup sitting at 50-21 in NCAA tournament play.
“SIUE was undefeated, the Ohio Valley Conference Champions and won five 4-3 matches… they played great tennis with a key player out,” said Macdonald. “I congratulate them on an incredible year they fought well and had a great season.”
The Commodores earned the 1-0 doubles advantage over a resilient and undefeated 21-0 SIUE Cougar team. Vandy claimed the first victory on the day on court three as Summer Dvorak and Christina Rosca only allowed Ann-Christine Link and Lara Tupper one game. VU’s Sydney Campbell and Emma Kurtz clinched the doubles point on court two over Tiffany Hollebeck and Callaghan Adams, 6-3.
No. 1 Emily Smith and Astra Sharma led Lexi Aranda and Morgan Steffes 5-1 on court one at the conclusion of doubles.
In singles the Commodores continued dominant tennis, taking the remaining three points in straight-set victories on courts four, two and five.
Kurtz only allowed her opponent, Adams, one game in her 6-0, 6-1 victory on court four. The win was the Atlanta native’s 15th dual match victory on the year.
In front of a packed crowd, the senior class ensured the Dores’ fourth-straight NCAA second round appearance at home, as Campbell downed Hollebeck 6-1, 6-3. Sellyn’s 6-2, 6-2 clinch over Tupper was the redshirt senior’s 80th Commodore victory. Vandy led on courts one, three and six at the conclusion of singles.
“I mean graduating from Vanderbilt and then representing Vanderbilt in the NCAA tournament… it’s a fantastic moment in the lives of those two,” Macdonald reflected. “Today really showcases what it’s like to be a student-athlete. I’m so happy they could get those victories in front of friends and family.”
To follow the Dores throughout their 1 p.m. second round match versus Clemson, track the team on Twitter (@VandyWTennis), live streaming and Ticketing is mandatory for every NCAA event; Adults ($5), students/children ($3) and toddlers under two free.
