Sept. 19, 2008
ATLANTA – The Georgia Tech women’s tennis team opened its 2008-09 season Friday by winning seven singles and two doubles matches on the first day of the Georgia Tech Invitational, a three-day tournament featuring players from Tech, Georgia, Arizona State and Princeton, at the Bill Moore Tennis Center.
Junior Amanda McDowell, the 2008 NCAA Singles Champion, picked up where she left off, defeating Kelcy McKenna of Arizona State, 6-3, 6-4, in the top flighted position. Senior Christy Striplin earned a 6-0, 6-2 victory in the second flight position over Laila Abdala of Arizona St. Sophomore Noelle Hickey garnered a hard fought three-set victory over Micaela Hein of the Sun Devils.
“I thought everyone played pretty sharp in their first matches of the season,” head coach Bryan Shelton said. “They were anxious to get out and play but handled themselves well on the court, especially all the returners. It was a perfect day for us to come out and get some quality matches in.”
The Yellow Jackets freshmen – Viet Ha Ngo, Lynn Blau, Irina Falconi and Hillary Davis – all were victorious, only needing straight sets in their collegiate debuts.
“I was really pleased that all the freshmen got off to a good start in their first college experience,” Shelton added.
In doubles, Stiplin and Hickey teamed together in the second flight for an 8-6 win over Lauren McHale and Melissa Saiontz of Princeton. Ngo and Krupina defeated the Tigers team of Blakely Ashley and Sarah Huah, 8-5, in the third flight.
“It is great to host an event like this with such great competition,” Shelton said. “We will look forward to another great day tomorrow morning.”
A complete copy of results from day one of the Georgia Tech Fall Invitational can be found by clicking here.
Doubles play will get underway Saturday at 9:30 a.m., while the Jackets will begin singles matches at 11 a.m.
Parking Advisory – Due to Saturday’s football game, parking around the Bill Moore Tennis Center will be permit only. Parking for the Georgia Tech Invitational will be available for pay in the North Deck lot on the Georgia Tech campus and in the Lanier parking lot on the corner of 10th St. and West Peachtree St.
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