Marshall University Athletics
The Herd Makes Noise in Williamsburg on Day One
9/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Sept. 11, 2009
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - The Marshall University women's tennis team was in mid-season form on the first day of the William and Mary Tournament as every member of the team posted an opening round victory.
"Overall it was a fantastic first day," Head Coach John Mercer said. "We competed very hard and had a professional attitude out there."
Michaela Kissell proved why she was the top-seed in flight A singles as she defeated Virginia's Lindsey Hardenbergh (2-6, 6-4, 6-4) in her first round match, and then took care of Virginia Tech's Martha Blakely in straight sets (6-0, 6-1) in the quarterfinals.
In Flight B singles, the second-seeded Isabell Raich defeated Denisa Zabeideh of Penn State in straight sets (6-2, 6-1). In the same flight, Marshall's Catherine Kellner took down No. 4 Carmen Pop of William and Mary (6-3, 6-1).
Also advancing into the quarter finals was Dominica Zaprazna of Flight C. Zaprazna defeated Sydney Grant of Richmond (6-4, 5-7, 6-3). Flight D saw Deanna Bailey handle Virginia Tech's Katie Blow (6-2, 6-2), while Krist Koprcina also won in straight sets (6-2, 6-1) over Richmond's Isabel Arana. Thaddea Lock advanced in her first-round match up coming out of Flight E after defeating Mariana Arana of Richmond.
Overall, Marshall won nine of 12 first day matches.
The Herd did just as well in doubles, as all four teams in action defeated their opposition. In Flight A doubles, the team of Raich and Zaprazna took down Virginia Tech's Yasmin Hamza and Emily Lauten (8-6). Also in Flight A, the second-seeded Baily and Kissell beat Virginia's duo of Hardenbergh and Erin Vierra (8-5).
MU's final doubles pair of Koprcina and Lock defeated Maryland's Hansbrough and Kuran (8-6).
Marshall looks to continue its momentum tomorrow, when they take the court in the second day of a three-day tournament. Results can be found by logging onto www.tribeathletics.com.
Players Mentioned
