CHICAGO, Ill. – No. 15 Vanderbilt stayed perfect, beating DePaul University 6-1 Friday afternoon, as Alex Leatu, Lauren Mira, and Nelly Radeva forced super tiebreakers matches after dropping their first sets.
Ashleigh Antal again set the pace for the Commodores in singles, defeating her opponent, Carolin Neumann, 6-2, 6-3.
“Ashleigh got us our second point quickly in singles, which helped with momentum,” said assistant coach Aleke Tsoubanos. “DePaul is a very, very good team. We fought hard and competed well in every match , both singles and doubles. It was a great win for us.”
Freshman Marie Casares, getting her first spring action, won her singles match 3-6, 6-3, 10-7, as senior Jackie Wu won her match in straight sets.
“Jackie and Marie both did a fantastic job in their singles against persistent opponents,” said Tsoubanos. “I’m proud of the way Alex, Lauren, and Nelly all regrouped to force super tiebreakers after losing their first sets. Today was an all around team effort and we look forward to tomorrow’s marchioness with Northwestern.”
The Commodores, who move to 5-0 to start their season, face No. 12 Northwestern tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. CT.
“I’m glad we got to get a match in before we play Northwestern tomorrow,” said Wu. “Last year’s match was a slug fest that came down to the last court, so it should be another great battle and opportunity for us tomorrow.”
Results:
Doubles:
1. Jackie Wu/Alex Leatu (VU) def. Gia McKnight/Jasmin Kling (DU), 8-3
2. Nelly Radeva/Lauren Mira (VU) def. Patricia Fargas/Rebeca Mitrea (DU), 8-3
3. Ashleigh Antal/Marie Casares (VU) def. Kelsey Lawson/Carolin Neumann (DU), 8-3
Order of Finish: 1, 3, 2
Singles
1. Wu (VU) def. Fargas (DU), 6-3, 6-3
2. Mira (VU) def. Kling (DU), 3-6, 6-3, 10-7
3. Casares (VU) def. McKnight (DU), 6-1, 6-4
4. Leatu (VU) def. Lawson (DU) 1-6, 6-3, 10-7
5. Mitrea (DU) def. Radeva (VU) 6-4, 6-7, 10-3
6. Antal (VU) def. Neumann (DU) 6-2, 6-3
Order of Finish: 6, 3, 1, 2, 4, 5
