The Emory women’s tennis team’s fortune continued, winning four singles draws and one doubles draw, at the Wofford Invitational from Nov. 2 to 4 in Spartanburg S.C.
Senior Daniela Lopez led the way for the Eagles, winning the B draw with a thrilling comeback win. After suffering a loss in the first set 6-2 against East Tennessee State University (ETSU) freshman Raquel Amaro, she won the next two sets handedly, 6-1, 10-4.
Head Coach Amy Bryant lauded Lopez’ efficiency on the court, highlighting her competition strategy.
“[Lopez] just played super smart, used her wits to beat her opponents and just figured out how to give her opponents a shot that they did not like,” Bryant said.
Sophomore Ysabel Gonzalez-Rico suffered only her seventh loss of the season, as ETSU freshman Laylo Bakhodirova defeated her in the A draw finals 3-6, 6-4, 10-6.
Sophomore Katie Chang, freshman Jessica Fatemi and freshman Emma Cartledge also won their respective divisions. Chang defeated Brenau University (Ga.) freshman Evelin Gouveia 6-2, 6-1 in the Conquer finals. Fatemi bested Wofford College (S.C.) sophomore Brittney Wilbur 6-4, 6-4, while Cartledge triumphed over Wofford freshman Elizabeth Massie 6-4, 6-0.
Bryant attributed Fatemi’s and Cartledge’s victories to their individual playing styles. Both players took varying approaches to cure their wins, according to Bryant.
“[Fatemi] used her forehand to set up her points to attack her opponents,” Bryant said. “[She] focused on her service patterns. She also stayed steady in pressure situations. [Cartledge played] really disciplined and adjusted her game to make sure to hit her opponents’ weaknesses.”
In doubles, Chang and freshman Christina Watson dominated the competition, beating opponents from Brenau and Wofford 6-0, respectively.
“Our doubles teams have a little more comfort because we spend a lot of time on volleying,” Bryant said. “[The duo] were well-trained on angles.”
Sophomore Sasha Hartje and freshman Lauren Yoon reached the finals of their respective draw with a 6-3 win over a duo from Wofford, before losing to Arkansas State University 6-3 in the final match.
Gonzalez-Rico will play in the Oracle ITA National Fall Championships beginning on Nov. 7 to conclude Emory’s Fall 2018 schedule.
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