Marshall University Athletics
Two Wins for Schmitt at ITA All-American
9/30/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Sept. 30, 2006
PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. - Marshall University's Kellie Schmitt won her first two matches at the ITA All-American at the world famous Riviera Country Club today.
Play began today for the Prequalifying Singles' first and second rounds. Carolina Raba was Schmitt's opening match opponent. Raba took the first set 6-2, but Schmitt was able to battle back and win the match. Sets two and three went 6-3, 6-3, for Schmitt sealing the victory.
Marshall head coach John Mercer said Schmitt's first set was a bit concerning but the result was gratifying.
"She got off to a little slow start but really got some of the nerves out," he said. "It was an exciting match and a really good win."
In the second round match Schmitt faced Mississippi's Elizabeth Wood. Momentum from the final two sets of her first match carried Schmitt to commanding 6-3, 6-2, win. Mercer said Schmitt's steadfast play was the key to the round two win.
"She really played well and played an aggressive style game," he said. "She was able to be a little more consistent and that made a big difference"
Sunday's match will begin at 3 p.m. EDT and will pit Schmitt against Fresno State's Renata Kucerkova. The winner of the match will be placed in the qualifying field of the All-American.
Mercer said it was very exciting to have a chance of two entrants as qualifiers in one of the biggest tournament of the year.
"We've never had two players in the qualifier for singles before," he said. "It would be great for us. Obviously they would be playing against some great competition."
Players Mentioned
