Monday, 09/26/2011

Crimson Tide captures two singles finals on Sunday

 

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Alabama women’s tennis team concluded the Furman Fall Classic with four wins on Sunday, two of which were main draw singles finals. In total, the Crimson Tide captured 17 victories on the weekend with four in doubles and 13 in singles.

 

“I was very encouraged with the steady improvement through the weekend with all six players,” said Alabama head coach Jenny Mainz. “Everyone moved forward and competed well. We have a lot to build on as we've put together two solid back-to-back weekends.”

 

Sophomore Mary Anne Macfarlane and junior Alexa Guarachi won the finals of their respective singles flights to go a perfect 3-0 on the weekend. Macfarlane got her win against Tennessee senior Natalie Pluskota, while Guarachi posted a 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 win over South Carolina junior Jaklin Alwai.

 

“Mary Anne and Alexa did a commendable job of leading the team, capturing singles titles at the number one and two positions, respectively. Mary Anne is doing a great job of getting in her matches early and taking charge. She's also doing a good job of sticking to her game and playing aggressively. Alexa is stepping up dictating well, serving with more confidence and moving better. She's tough to beat when she finds her stride and starts rolling.”

 

Also tallying a win on Sunday for Alabama were seniors Courtney McLane and Taylor Lindsey. McLane battled to hold on in the second set over North Carolina sophomore Tessa Lyons for the 6-3, 7-6 win, while Lindsey came from behind to take down Gamecock sophomore Katie Popva. Junior Antonia Foehse took on North Carolina senior Haley Hemm but had to retire in the second set with the score set at 6-2, 1-0. Freshman Emily Zabor split sets with South Carolina junior Adri Pereira but ended up falling just short in the third set falling 6-1, 4-6, 7-6.

 

“Taylor is playing disciplined, solid tennis,” said Mainz. “She does an excellent job of playing within her means and making her opponent beat her. Courtney bounced back after having a slow start and showed a lot of maturity and resiliency with turning around her weekend. Antonia gained a lot of confidence this weekend. She is finding her rhythm and putting one good match on top of another good match, and Emily had a strong showing in her first collegiate tournament. She is coachable and eager to improve. She has lots of positives to take from the weekend.”

 

Alabama returns to action on Saturday when selected members head to the ITA/Riviera All-American Championships in Los Angeles, Calif.

 

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RESULTS

Singles

Mary Anne Macfarlane (UA) def. Natalie Pluskota (UT) 6-1, 6-4

Alexa Guarachi (UA) def. Jaklin Alwai (SC) 6-3, 3-6, 6-2

Courtney McLane (UA) def. Tessa Lyons (UNC) 6-3, 7-6

Taylor Lindsey (UA) def. Katie Popva (SC) 4-6, 6-0, 6-3

Haley Hemm (UNC) def. Antonia Foehse (UA) 6-2, 1-0, ret.

Adri Pereira (SC) def. Emily Zabor (UA) 6-1, 4-6, 7-6