NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt women’s tennis team advanced to 3-1 in conference play Sunday after clinching the match over Alabama 4-3 at the Currey Tennis Center.
“We were fortunate to escape with a win today,” Vanderbilt head coach Geoff Macdonald said. “Alabama is always well-coached, energetic and competitive. They played us very well but we hung on. We’re grateful to win a match in the SEC in front of a great crowd today.”
Vanderbilt fell to Alabama in the doubles point with the Crimson Tide clinching the point with wins at Nos. 2 and 3.
Christina Rosca and Marcella Cruz battled at No. 2 but fell short 6-3 to give Alabama the advantage.
No. 18 Commodore duo Georgia Drummy and Emma Kurtz collected the Commodores’ first doubles victory of the day with a 6-3, dominating win. The Tide clinched the point at No. 3 with a 6-3 win over Dasha Kourkina and Amanda Meyer.
In singles, No. 28 Drummy struck first to tie the match at 1-1 with a straight-set, 6-4, 6-4 win.
Cruz marked her fourth-consecutive singles win to earn a perfect record on the weekend with a 6-2, 6-4 victory at No. 5. Cruz currently boasts an undefeated record in SEC play.
With Cruz’s victory, the Dores led 2-1 with four courts remaining. Meyer fell at No. 2 6-4, 6-4 followed by Kurtz falling in a gritty battle 0-6, 6-7 at No 3 to put Alabama in the lead 3-2.
At No. 1, Rosca stepped up to down Ito in straight sets 7-5, 6-3 notching her fifth-consecutive singles victory and fourth-straight conference win.
With the decision coming down to freshman Kourkina, Kourkina remained confident to clinch the match for the Commodores with a 6-2, 7-5, win at No. 6. Sunday’s clinch mark’s the freshman’s first collegiate clinch.
DASHA KOURKINA FOR THE WIN❕
Kourkina clinches the match for the Dores in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5.#FightDores | #AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/NxRsLbOjYd
— Vanderbilt Women’s Tennis (@VandyWTennis) March 8, 2020
“It felt amazing to clinch the match for the team and especially to do it representing Vanderbilt,” Kourkina said. “I’m very happy and excited for the rest of the season.”
Vanderbilt advances to 3-1 in conference play and holds a 7-3 overall record after Sunday’s victory. The Commodores return to action Friday to face Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Keep up with the Dores on the road by following @VandyWTennis on Twitter and Instagram.
