WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Vanderbilt women’s tennis wrapped up the first day at the Ohio Valley Regional of the USTA/ITA Regional Championships on Thursday at the Schwartz Tennis Center.
Megan Gornet and Maggie Leavell were the only Commodores in action on the day, as the two competed in qualifying singles and doubles play.
In the first round (round of 32) of qualifying singles play, Leavell was defeated by Edmee Morin-Kougoucheff of Kentucky in two sets, 6-3, 6-1. Leavell was dealt the tough task of taking on Morin-Kougoucheff, who was the No. 1 seed in the qualifying bracket.
Gornet fell in her singles match to Ana Rajkovic of Miami (OH) in a three set battle. The two players would not go down without a fight. Rajkovic was able to hold off Gornet in the end to win 7-6(2), 5-7, 7-5.
“In singles, we came up a bit short, but I was pleased that we competed hard,” said Vanderbilt assistant coach Aleke Tsoubanos. “Megan (Gornet) played a great match that lasted over three hours and nearly came through. I am looking forward to a great day of competition tomorrow.”
Gornet and Leavell began the day with a win in qualifying doubles action over IUPUI’s Rachael Bridgegroom and Shelby Hullett, 8-2.
In the doubles qualifying quarterfinals, Gornet and Leavell were eliminated from play. The Vandy duo fell to Purdue’s Claudia Escribens and Krisztina Kapitany, 8-4.
“Today didn’t go our way in terms of wins and losses but we did a lot right,” Tsoubanos said. “Maggie (Leavell) and Megan (Gornet) played a solid first match in doubles and had a bunch of opportunities in their second match as well.”
The main draw will begin Friday, as Frances Altick, Ashleigh Antal, Marie Casares, Courtney Colton, Lauren Mira and Georgina Sellyn will all be in action. Play is set to begin at 8 a.m.
Qualifying Singles Results
Round of 32:
Edmee Morin-Kougoucheff (Kentucky) def. Maggie Leavell (Vanderbilt) 6-3, 6-1
Ana Rajkovic (Miami (OH)) def. Megan Gornet (Vanderbilt) 7-6(2), 5-7, 7-5
Qualifying Doubles Results
Quarterfinals:
Escribens/Kapitany (Purdue) def. Gornet/Leavell (Vanderbilt) 8-4
Round of 16:
Gornet/Leavell (Vanderbilt) def. Bridgegroom/Hullett (IUPUI) 8-2
