Pacific Palisades, Calif. – Opening up the first day of main draw matches at Riviera All-Americans, Vanderbilt started strong and carried momentum throughout the day.
Thursday morning kicked off with round one of doubles play where Vanderbilt’s Fernanda Contreras and Summer Dvorak dominated the courts for the second day in a row, defeating Zhu/Hwang (UNLV) in an 8-5 win. This victory advanced the senior pair to the round of 16 of doubles play which took place Thursday afternoon.
Entering into round one of singles play with one victory already behind her, Contreras once again took the court to battle against Anna Bright (Cal). In the first set, Contreras conquered Bright in a swift defeat, 6-4. Opening up the second set, Contreras earned the first point and went on to earn five more in defeating Bright in a straight-set win, 6-4, 6-2.
“I’m glad today went well, it was really windy and tricky conditions. I was pumped to compete and gave it my all. I have no expectations and nothing to defend going into tomorrow’s match, I’m going out there to be bold,” said Contreras.
In the second round of doubles play, Contreras and Dvorak took on the 2018 reigning NCAA doubles champions, Richardson/Golovin from LSU. The Commodore duo gave it their all but fell, 8-3, to conclude their run in the tournament.
“I am proud of the way Fernanda and Summer took control of their first match against UNLV,” said Vanderbilt head coach Geoff Macdonald. “They played great and came out with the win. In the second round of doubles, the girls fought a very tough competitor taking on the NCAA reigning doubles champions. I am proud of the way they continued to fight and keep their heads up even through the defeat.”
Ranked No. 7 in the country in singles, Contreras will open up singles play Friday morning in the round of 16 against Duke’s Meible Chi. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament.
On Fernanda’s opening-day performance, Macdonald said he expects fireworks from the VU senior. “I’m looking forward to a great match between Fernanda and Chi tomorrow. Fernanda played really strong tennis today, I am excited to watch her compete tomorrow,” he said.
Keep up with the Contreras as she vies for a spot in the quarterfinals by following @Vandywtennis on Twitter.
