Mira, Colton fall in singles, look ahead to doubles

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. – Lauren Mira and Courtney Colton of the Vanderbilt women’s tennis team were both eliminated from singles play Tuesday from the 2013 Riviera/ITA Women’s All-American Championships. The two will now play in the main draw doubles beginning on Thursday, October 3 from the Los Angeles Tennis Center.

“Overall it wasn’t our best day,” said assistant coach Aleke Tsoubanos. “We didn’t compete from start to finish, or execute our game plans the way we would have liked. While disappointing as it is, there was a lot for Lauren and Courtney to take away from these matches.”

Mira started the qualifying singles off with a win over No. 39 [13] Caroline Rohde-Moe of Ole Miss, 6-2, 6-7(6), 6-2. Colton lost her first round matchup with No. 99 Marie Belaya of William & Mary, 6-2, 6-4.

In her second round action Mira was matched up with No. 64 Brianna Morgan of Florida. Morgan was able to get the better of Mira, knocking her off in straight-sets, 6-0, 6-4.

“Coach Macdonald and I keep stressing the process and mental game,” Tsoubanos said. “This tournament really tells you a lot about where you are and where you need to be in order to compete with the best. We will turn our focus to doubles now and prepare for the first round on Thursday.”

The two will now look ahead to the doubles main draw, where they are the fifth-seeded team in the tournament. Vandy’s number one doubles team is also ranked sixth nationally.

Mira and Colton will have a first round bye and will play the winner of No. 29 Sanon/Vaidya (Columbia) or No. 13 Gumulya/Koroleva (Clemson) at 3:30 on Thursday.