COLLEGE STATION, Texas — After day one of the Wilson-ITA Southwest Regionals, two members of the LSU women’s tennis team remain alive in the singles qualifying draw.
Both Lady Tigers competitors in that bracket began the day with a win. Daysi Espinal defeated Texas Southern’s Martha Kruk, 6-1, 6-1. Anastasiya Dubova took the win over Leja Sirola of Texas State, 6-1, 6-3.
With the victories, both advanced to the draw’s round of 32, where they continued their stellar performances. Espinal beat Emma McDougall of Sam Houston State in straight sets as did Dubova over Leja Sirola of Texas State.
“This day was really great for both Daysi and Anastasiya,” head coach Tony Minnis said. “I was impressed with how they played and the intensity they played with to open the tournament.”
Both competitors advanced to the round of 16. One more win Saturday morning would qualify them for main draw competition.
The Lady Tigers did not fare as well for the day in doubles, though Camila Caliari and Dubova did pick up a win over Sammie Moreton and Megan Schulback of North Texas.
LSU’s two other tandems were not as fortunate. Lauren Seaman and Tiffany Tucker, ranked 60th and seeded fourth, fell to Texas Tech’s Erin Hunter and Katka Kovacic, 8-5. Marina Chiarelli and Mykala Hedberg lost their match as well to Lata Assudani and Irina Sotnikova of Sam Houston State, 8-3.
“I was really pleased with the singles play, but very disappointed in the doubles competition overall for today,” Minnis explained. “Hopefully they will have better performances tomorrow.”
Doubles main draw and consolation play continues Saturday, and singles main draw play begins at noon for the remaining Lady Tigers in College Station. Seaman, who earned a No. 14 seed, will play Texas’ Kelly Baritot in her first match of the day.
Caliari will face Texas A&M’s Jordan Ale, Hedberg will go up against Irina Sotnikova of Sam Houston State and Tucker will play Monica Peciulionyte of UT-Arlington. Chiarelli will see one of the eight comepetitors who make it out of the qualifying draw.
WILSON-ITA SOUTHWEST REGIONALS — Day one results
Singles
Qualifying Draw
Round of 64
Daysi Espinal (LSU) def. Martha Kruk (TS) 6-1, 6-1
Anastasiya Dubova (LSU) def. Leja Sirola (TSU) 6-1, 6-3
Round of 32
Daysi Espinal (LSU) def. Emma McDougall (SHSU) 6-0, 6-3
Anastasiya Dubova (LSU) def. Erin Hunter (TT) 6-4, 6-3
Doubles
Main Draw
Round of 64
Erin Hunter/Katka Kovacic (TT) def. #60 Lauren Seaman/Tiffany Tucker (LSU) 8-5
Lata Assudani/Irina Sotnikova (SHSU) def. Marina Chiarelli/Mykala Hedberg (LSU) 8-3
Camila Caliari/Anastasiya Dubova (LSU) def. Sammie Moreton/Megan Schulback (UNT) 8-2