NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The stage is set. Following at 4-1 victory over No. 12 South Carolina, the fifth-ranked Vanderbilt women’s tennis team will compete this Sunday against Florida for the Southeastern Conference regular season championship.
With the win, Vanderbilt improves to 16-5 overall and 11-1 in league play.
“What an incredible event to look forward to on Sunday,” said head coach Geoff Macdonald. “It’s Easter Sunday, No. 1 team in the country, and you’re playing them for the top spot in the league. It’s also senior day and prior to the match we’re going to honor Georgina (Sellyn) and Sydney (Campbell), who have both given so much to this team. We try to keep it even keel, but I think everyone will be really excited. I hope all Vanderbilt fans come and watch.”
The Commodores opened the match earning a closely contested doubles point. SC’s Paige Cline and Brigit Folland took the first victory on the day, delivering Sydney Campbell and Emma Kurtz a 6-3 loss on court two.
VU rebounded to take courts one then three for the one-point advantage. Ranked No. 5 in the country, Astra Sharma and Emily Smith leveled the playing field, only allowing No. 58 Caroline Dailey and Hadley Berg two games on court one. Christina Rosca and Fernanda Contreras earned the Commodore clinch, taking a tight 6-4 victory over Ingrid Martin and Rachel Rohrabacjer.
“South Carolina always plays with a lot of energy,” said Macdonald. “They’re an excellent, feisty, spirited team. I give Christina and Fernanda a lot of credit for keeping their poise at No. 3 doubles. They were down and then had chances, and held their poise for the comeback.”
In singles, the Commodores earned five first sets, and took three straight-set victories for the squad’s 10th top-25 victory of the year.
The Gamecock’s lone point of the competition came on court five as Silvia Chinellato downed Sellyn 6-3, 6-2. Vanderbilt quickly rebounded to take the 2-1 edge, as Emma Kurtz quickly powered through her match on court four against Berg, 6-1, 6-1. The freshman remains undefeated on courts four and five and is 9-1 overall in conference play.
“In singles, we came out to really good starts on courts one, two, four and six. The student-athlete at No. 5 played a really good match against Georgina. Emma Kurtz’ performance at No. 4 was probably the best of the day with really fantastic tennis. It was a neat match.”
Sydney Campbell earned her 97th Commodore victory in a 6-4, 6-2 win over No. 43 Martins. Campbell heads into senior day with a 12-4 (7-2) record. Ranked No. 4 in the nation, Sharma generated the final point for the black and gold as the Aussie defeated No. 53 Mia Horvit, 6-4, 6-3, for her 14th win this dual season.
Vanderbilt closes out the season on Sunday against No. 1 Florida. Senior day festivities are slated to begin at 10:45 a.m.
