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VU Knocks off UT Martin in NCAA First Round, 5-0 5/13/2005 The No. 4 Vanderbilt women’s tennis team took its first step towards the Final Four with a 5-0, First Round showing against UT Martin at the Currey Tennis Center on Friday afternoon The Commodores claimed the doubles point and notched triumphs at Nos. 2, 3, 5, and 6 to capture the matchup with the Skyhawks. “First of all, UT Martin was the toughest opponent in the Round of 64 we have ever played,” said Vanderbilt Head Coach Geoff Macdonald. “The score doesn’t reflect how competitive the points were. This match made us better and we are really looking forward to a great regional final with South Alabama.” The Commodores took the doubles point with impressive wins at both Nos. 1 and 3. In the singles draw, VU freshman Caroline Ferrell posted the second VU point of the day with her 6-0, 6-0 blanking of UTM’s Elizma Schoonees at the No. 6 position. Taka Bertrand quickly followed Ferrell’s victory with a win of her own over UTM’s Elly Shearman, 6-1, 6-0. Bertrand’s sophomore counterpart Amanda Fish claimed her 22nd win of the year along with the clinching Commodore point of the day at the No. 2 position, 6-1, 6-1. VU senior Annie Menees captured her match with UT Martin’s Jeanne De Wet seconds after Fish’s clinching victory to hand the Dores the 5-0 final score. At the top spot, fellow VU senior Audra Falk led her match against OVC Player of the Year Sari Nortje, 6-1, 5-2. VU freshman Amanda Taylor also led her opponent, 6-1, 2-1 at the fourth slot. “We played well,” said Macdonald. “We thought there could be bumps and miscues after three weeks off. UT Martin made us play better and remove the rust. It’s one of the tougher days with graduation and literally having to come here and change out of the cap and gown and get into an NCAA match. Tomorrow is the vital step. We don’t overlook anybody. We have to be hungry against South Alabama.” The Regional Final showdown is set for 10:00 a.m. at the Currey Tennis Center. South Alabama knocked off Alabama, 4-2 to earn their spot in the Second Round. Doubles |
