_ctofeatured.jpg "Buckeyes combine for three singles and two doubles victories in day one.")
Buckeyes combine for three singles and two doubles victories in day one.
Ohio State University Team Page
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State women’s tennis team posted three singles victories and two doubles victories on day one of the Tennessee Fall Invite in Knoxville, Tenn., Friday. The Buckeyes faced the University of Kentucky in singles and North Carolina State in doubles in the hidden dual format tournament.
In singles, senior Fidan Manashirova rallied after losing set one to defeat Kirsten Lewis in three sets, 2-6, 7-6, 6-1. Classmate Gabby Steele held off Kentucky’s Caitlin McGraw, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. Junior Noelle Malley came back after dropping set one against Kentucky’s Stephanie Fox to win in three, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3.
Coming off a quarterfinal finish at the USTA/ITA Midwest Regional Championship, the doubles tandem of sophomore Kelsey Dieters and senior Kara Cecil topped NC State’s Sophie Nelson and Christy Sipes, 8-6. The Buckeye duo of junior Kelsey Becker and redshirt freshman Nicole Flower topped NC State’s Nicole Martinez and Elisha Hande, 9-8 (5). The senior tandem of Steele and Manashirova fell to Joelle Kissell and Rachael James-Baker, 8-4.
The Buckeyes will compete against the Volunteers in doubles and match up against Kentucky in singles Saturday. Follow along on Twitter @OhioState_WTEN, Tournament Central (including a live blog and live video) or @VolTennis_Event for updates throughout the weekend.
Lady Vols Classic
Day 1 Results, Singles
Kentucky vs. Ohio State
Nadia Ravita, UK, def. Kelsey Dieters, OSU, 2-6, 7-5, 7-5
Jessica Stiles, UK, def. Kara Cecil, OSU, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3
Fidan Manashirova, OSU, def. Kirsten Lewis, UK, 2-6, 7-6, 6-1
Gabby Steele, OSU, def. Caitlin McGraw, UK, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4
Khristina Blajkevitch, UK, def. Nicole Flower, OSU, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1
Noelle Malley, OSU, def. Stephanie Fox, UK, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3
Day 1 Results, Doubles
Ohio State vs. NC State
Kelsey Dieters/Kara Cecil, OSU, def. Sophie Nelson/Christy Sipes, NC State, 8-6
Joelle Kissell/Rachael James-Baker, NC State, def. Gabby Steele/Fidan Manashirova, OSU, 8-4
Kelsey Becker/Nicole Flower, OSU, def. Nicole Martinez/Elisha Hande, NC State, 9-8 (5)
