July 31, 2018
Fernanda Contreras, a rising senior on the Vanderbilt women’s tennis team, continues dominant tennis in international play this summer. Competing in Barranquilla, Colombia, the Commodore All-American took the Central American and Caribbean Games by storm, taking gold in the doubles finale.
“It was amazing to be able to represent my country here at the games and to be able to play against top athletes,” said Contreras. “I’m really grateful for the opportunities and the lessons I’ve learned here in Colombia, and I’m excited to wear the Star V one more time.”
Teaming up alongside former Southern California Trojan, Giuliana Olmos, the Mexican duo earned their spot atop the podium on Monday with a third set 10-point tiebreak victory over Colombia’s Mariana Duque and Maria Camila 6-4, 3-6, 10-4.
Contreras faced one of the toughest opponents of her career in the tournament’s singles draw, facing Puerto Rico’s reigning Olympic gold medalist Monica Puig in quarterfinals. The Commodore battled hard, nearly forcing a third set; however the 66th-ranked player in the world walked away with the win 6-4, 6-4.
Contreras will return to what looks to be another strong Commodore lineup this fall as one of three seniors.
Alum update:
Five-time Vanderbilt All-American and 2018 graduate Astra Sharma has been competing on the pro tour throughout the summer. The Aussie who is currently competing in a Lexington, Ky. 50K has won the Gatineau singles 25K title, Baton Rouge 25K singles title and Sumter 25K doubles title with Liusia Stefani.
