Nov. 6, 2010
Thunderbird Invitational Tournament Page
Tempe, Ariz.--- The Arizona State women's tennis team continued their stellar play on Saturday at the Thunderbird Invitational, as Kelcy McKenna advanced to the finals round, and all players competed in tough consolation and doubles matches.
"I thought today was a really good day and the kids played very well," said head coach Sheila McInerney. "It's not easy coming back after a long day yesterday. Our doubles were pretty darn good, and all of the matches were really competitive."
Kelcy McKenna opened her second day of singles play with a victory over Mimi Nguyen of Michigan, winning 6-1, 6-3. She went on to play Brooke Bolender, also from Michigan, and held through two sets, defeating her 6-1, 6-3.
"I'm thrilled to have the chance to play in the final round," said McKenna. "I think both girls played very well, and they were incredibly talented and they were really tough matches. I'm really looking forward to competing in singles and doubles."
Jacqueline Cako dominated her quarterfinal opponent, Tayler Davis of California, defeating her with a score of 6-1, 6-0. Cako then withdrew from her semifinals match against Belinda Niu of Northwestern, and will not play the rest of the tournament.
In consolation rounds, all of the players fared well. Hannah James achieved a stellar victory over nationally ranked Annie Goransson of California, winning the two difficult sets 6-4, 7-5. Sianna Simmons won her opening match against Catie Visico of California 6-0, 6-2, and then fell to Paloma Escobedo of Ohio State in a back-and-forth match ending 7-5, 1-6, 6-4. Micaela Hein opened her consolation play against Juliette Coupez of USD, losing the first set 4-6 before rallying to win the next two 6-0, 6-2. Ashlee Brown fell in her sole match of the day to Maja Sujica of USD in a rough two-setter, 7-5, 6-4. Michelle Brycki won her first match over Stephany Chang of California 6-0, 6-3, then went on to play a difficult two-set match against Michelle Sulahian of Michigan, winning 7-6 (2), 6-4.
"We are playing well at home," Coach McInerney said. "The weather's nice, and from that standpoint we're pleased with how well the girls competed today."
In doubles, McKenna and Hein absolutely dominated Haviland and Steele of Ohio State, shutting them out 8-0. Cako and Brycki defeated Brittany Wowchuk and Turvy of Northwestern in a long, difficult match that finally ended 9-8 (5). Brown and James fell to Chernyakova and Edell of Northwestern in another difficult match, ending 9-7.
The Thunderbird Invitational continues Sunday morning, opening with doubles play at 8:30 a.m. The finals match will take place at 9:30 a.m., and the day will close out with remaining consolation matches. For further results, visit the official Thunderbird Invitational page.