Oct. 27, 2016
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt women’s tennis team is capping the fall season in sunny Palmas del Mar, Puerto Rico in the Puerto Rico College Challenge.
The three-day tournament features a round robin format of singles and doubles matches against some of the highest ranked players in the country with the Commodores being joined by Georgia, Virginia and Old Dominion. Coming off a successful regional where the ‘Dores made appearances in the Ohio Valley singles and doubles finals, Vanderbilt looks to bring its success south.
“It was a long travel day yesterday, but we were excited to wake up in beautiful Palmas Del Mar this morning,” said senior Sydney Campbell. “We got a great hit in this morning and spent the afternoon exploring the beach and swimming. We are excited to compete hard in our matches tomorrow and hopefully sightsee and learn about the Puerto Rican culture each afternoon.”
Campbell leads VU in the Oracle/ITA singles rankings checking in at No. 12 with Astra Sharma not far behind at No. 19. In tandems, Vanderbilt boasts two ranked doubles teams as Campbell and Emily Smith come in at No. 17 in the nation while Sharma and Fernanda Contreras follow at No. 52.
The Bulldogs bring three ranked singles players to Puerto Rico with Ellen Perez leading the trio at No. 4 in the nation. Kennedy Shaffer and Caroline Brinson follow the Aussie at No. 14 and No. 21, respectively. Virginia ended last season ranked 13th and have freshman Rosie Johanson sitting eighth in the ITA’s newcomer poll.
While the ‘Dores bring the highest ranked doubles team to P.R. both UGA and UVA boast teams in the ITA’s preseason rankings. The Bulldog’s Perez and Elena Christofi are ranked 26th while Mariana Gould and Marta Gonzalez are 30th. The Cavalier’s Johanson and Meghan Kelley are just inside the Top 40 in the nation at No. 38.
Follow @VandyWTennis on Twitter for a behind the scenes look at the Commodores’ trip.
