NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Sixth-ranked Vanderbilt women’s tennis closed out the first weekend of SEC matches undefeated by taking down Arkansas on Sunday at the Vanderbilt Currey Tennis Center, 6-1.
“First of all, I was very impressed with Arkansas, their talent level is very high and I think they will only get better as the year continues. I thought we played the most complete match of the season in terms of every position showing up and competing well,” said head coach Geoff Macdonald.
Looking to wrap up the first weekend of conference matches with a perfect record, the Dores came out strong in doubles play quickly, clinching the doubles point over the Razorbacks with Summer Dvorak and Amanda Meyer dominating, 6-1, followed by Emma Kurtz and Emily Smith securing the point for the Commodores with a 6-4 victory.
Maintaining its successful start, the Commodores extended its lead to 2-0 with freshman Georgia Drummy earning a swift straight-set victory over Arkansas’ Jackie Carr, 6-1, 6-3.
Sophomore Amanda Meyer extended the Dores lead to 3-0, defeating Arkansas’s Laura Rijkers, 6-3, 6-1.
With the Commodores looking to clinch the match, junior Christina Rosca stepped up for the Dores by winning the first set over Martina Zerulo, 6-2. Rosca continued to dominate, earning a 6-4 victory in the second set, clinching the match for the Commodores.
Remaining courts continued play collecting two additional victories for the Commodores.
Senior Fernanda Contreras earned the Dores’ fourth singles victory, taking down Tatum Rice, 6-2, 6-3.
Collecting her 127th career singles win, Contreras broke Taka Bertrand’s record set in 2008.
“I’m extremely thankful to Coach, Aleke and Jarryd for guiding me and helping me out through the good times and bad. They always know how to keep me focused and energized for matches,” said Contreras.
Earning the Commodores final point of the match, Campana extended the Dores lead to 6-0, coming back in the third set after splitting sets with Lauren Alter to earn a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory over the Rebel.
“Every single opponent is different, it’s like a new puzzle every day so I am super blessed to be able to play and rep the gold star V. I’m not focused on winning, but I want to keep improving and focusing on the process. I’m excited for the team, we’re in for a long and fun season,” said the senior.
“Hats off to Fernanda … What a great career. I’m very proud of her and look forward to watching her compete the rest of the season,” said Macdonald.
The Commodores look to extend their conference play winning-streak taking on Auburn this Friday in Auburn, Alabama, at the Yarbrough Tennis Center.
#6 Vanderbilt 6, Arkansas 1
Singles competition
1. Fernanda Contreras (VANDY) def. Tatum Rice (ARK) 6-2, 6-3
2. Christina Rosca (VANDY) def. Martina Zerulo (ARK) 6-2, 6-4
3. Georgia Drummy (VANDY) def. Jackie Carr (ARK) 6-1, 6-3
4. Amanda Meyer (VANDY) def. Laura Rijkers (ARK) 6-3, 6-1
5. Carolyn Campana (VANDY) def. Lauren Alter (ARK) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
6. Miruna Tudor (ARK) def. Summer Dvorak (VANDY) 7-5, 6-3
Doubles competition
1. Emma Kurtz/Emily Smith (VANDY) def. Tatum Rice/Martina Zerulo (ARK) 6-4
2. Christina Rosca/Georgia Drummy (VANDY) vs. Lauren Alter/Thea Rice (ARK) 5-5, unfinished
3. Summer Dvorak/Amanda Meyer (VANDY) def. Jackie Carr/Laura Rijkers (ARK) 6-1
Match Notes:
Order of finish: Doubles (3,1); Singles (3,4,2,1,5,6)
