Perfect Start

Commodores win all seven singles matches at first day of the ITA Regionals

by Lauren Martinez

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — All seven members competing for the Vanderbilt’s women’s tennis team advanced on Day One of the ITA Ohio Valley Regionals in Murfreesboro on Thursday.

Marcella Cruz won both of her sets against Alejandra Morales of ETSU, 6-4, 7-5, to claim the match and earn a spot in the Round of 64 against Anastasiya Zholdakova of Belmont.

Yufei Long also advanced to the Round of 64 after defeating Belmont’s Taylor Trondson, 6-0, 6-2. She will play Xavier’s Imani Graham in her next match Friday.

Holly Staff defeated Ball State’s Hannah Davies with two straight 6-3 set wins, and will play Daniela Rivera of ETSU in the Round of 64. Meanwhile, Amy Stevens topped Memphis’ Meredith Jones, 6-1, 6-2, to advance on against Fernanda Carvajal (ETSU). 

MaryAnn Rompf won a three-setter against Sarah Dev (Miami University of Ohio), taking her to the Round of 64 against Camila Romero (Memphis) and Anessa Lee outlasted Danielle Morris of Austin Peay, 7-5, 6-4. Dasha Kourkina won her opening match over Somer Henry (Belmont), 6-2, 6-1.

Regional doubles and singles champions and finalists qualify for the ITA National Fall Championships, which will take place in San Diego, California, beginning on Nov. 4.

Following the ITA Regionals, the Commodores will compete at the Tennessee Fall Invitational in Knoxville on Oct. 28-31.

Stay updated with the Commodores as they compete in the ITA Regionals by following @VandyWTennis on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.