NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt women’s tennis freshmen had a sweet first taste of a home tournament environment in their mouths after the first day of the June Stewart Invitational, as they won their singles and doubles matches.
Ashleigh Antal and Marie Casares paired up for an 8-5 win over MTSU’s Carla Nava and Nayora Moraes. Antal went on in singles to beat Belmont’s Fabianna Mersa 6-1, 6-0, while Casares defeated her opponent, Miami of Ohio’s Alix Thurman, 6-1, 6-4.
“The freshmen had a very good win in doubles and also really convincing singles playing in difficult conditions,” said head coach Geoff Macdonald. “Lauren Mira played a really strong singles match, and Megan Gornet played a really strong player, and I think really learned a lot in the loss.”
Mira won her singles match 6-0, 6-2 against Memphis’ Kelly Gray.
“It was a little shaky in the beginning, I was a little nervous, but then I found my groove near the end,” said Antal of her play throughout the first day. “I think I really learned a lot about college tennis, it was our first home match, my first match on Vandy courts. Really helped work my way into points, and I got a good idea of what it’s like for college.”
The tournament began indoors due to the inclement weather and wet courts, but moved outdoors for singles as it dried up.
“It was a tough day with rain all morning, and everyone was really patient,” said Macdonald. “It’s a pleasure to host some local teams, Lipscomb and Belmont. Everyone here’s a class act.”
Play will resume Saturday morning as doubles wrap up at 10 AM.
Friday Results: Singles:
Antal (Vanderbilt) def. Fabianna Mersa (Belmont) 6-1, 6-0
Casares (Vanderbilt) def. Alix Thurman (Miami Ohio) 6-1, 6-4
Mira (Vanderbilt) def. Kelly Gray (Memphis) 6-0, 6-2
Yuiri Nomoto (MTSU) def. Gornet (Vanderbilt) 6-1, 6-1
Doubles: Antal/Casares (Vanderbilt) def. Nava/Moraes 8-5
