By Jake Hernandez, SDA Media Relations
TEMPE, Ariz. – The No. 26 Arizona State women’s tennis team swept the University of Arizona, 7-0, on Senior Day to clinch the Territorial Cup point for ASU. Arizona State improves their record to 15-7, 6-4 to finish the regular season. ASU leads the Territorial Cup 8.5-5.5 over UA.
During doubles, the Sun Devils got off to a quick start as No. 53 pair Smith and Jump downed their opponents, 8-4. Shortly after, the No. 32 pair Krawczyk and Vlad defeated No. 28 Wildcat pair Preston and Austin, 8-5, to earn the Sun Devils the doubles point and early advantage of the match.
“It is always nice to beat the Cats, especially on senior day. I am really happy for both Joanna and Leighann for winning their matches,” said ASU head coach Sheila McInerney. “I thought Jo played very well in doubles. I thought we were a little nervous during doubles but Jo played well with Kassidy and got off the court quickly.”
During singles, the Sun Devils quickly defeated the Wildcats as three courts finished in straight sets. Junior Ebony Panoho downed her opponent, 6-2, 6-4, and sophomore Kassidy Jump earned the point on court three, 6-4, 6-1. On court five, No. 99 senior Leighann Sahagun downed her opponent, 6-4, 7-5, for her final Sun Devil career home match.
“Today was one of the proudest moments being ASU,” said senior Leighann Sahagun on her Sun Devil career. “Our team really stepped it up for Jo and I. I am so proud of them and they really made this senior day the most special day of my career.”
“I am really happy with how everyone fought and played out on the court today,” said senior Joanna Smith on Senior Day. “I am thrilled to have ended my career at home with a sweep over U of A! Go Sun Devils!”
After defeating the Wildcats, 4-0, the remaining courts continued play as senior Joanna Smith downed her opponent, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, for her final Sun Devil career home match. Juniors Desirae Krawczyk and Stephanie Vlad continued battling on their respective courts as Vlad defeated her opponent during a match-breaker, 6-7(3), 6-2 [10-6], to earn the point on court two. Shortly after, Krawczyk completed the sweep over the Wildcat as she downed her opponent, 7-6(5), 6-3, on court one.
“All in all good day for everyone to come through the way they did. Anytime you can sweep your rival on senior day, it is a good day,” said Coach Sheila McInerney. “There were some tough matches but our girls came through to get the sweep and I am very proud of them.”
Up next, the Sun Devils will participate in the Pac-12 Championships Tournament that will take place in Ojai, Cali. from Apr. 23-26.
No. 26 Arizona State 7, Arizona 0
April 17, 2015
Whiteman Tennis Center
Tempe, Ariz.
Doubles
1. #32 Krawczyk/Vlad (ASU) def. #28 Preston/Austin (UA), 8-5
2. #53 Smith/Jump (ASU) def. Marker-Hendrikx (UA), 8-4
3. Panoho/Osborne (ASU) vs. Oldham/Chypyha (UA), 6-6 (Abandoned)
Order of Finish: 2, 1
Singles
1. #32 Desirae Krawczyk (ASU) def. #58 Lauren Marker (UA), 7-6(5), 6-3
2. Stephanie Vlad (ASU) def. #94 Briar Preston (UA), 6-7(3), 6-2 [10-6]
3. Kassidy Jump (ASU) def. Laura Oldham (UA), 6-4, 6-1
4. Joanna Smith (ASU) def. Devin Chypyha (UA), 4-6, 6-3, 6-1
5. #99 Leighann Sahagun (ASU) def. Shayne Austin (UA), 6-4, 7-5
6. Ebony Panoho (ASU) def. Inge Hendrikx (UA), 6-2, 6-4
Order of Finish: 6, 3, 5, 4, 2, 1