Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
UT-Martin
Women's Tennis Upsets UT Martin in OVC Tournament Quarterfinals
4/16/2010 11:00:00 PM | Women's Tennis
The Murray State women's tennis team advanced to the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament semifinals with a victory over UT Martin in the opening round at the Larry Heflin Tennis Center in Paducah, Ky. The Racers, No. 6 seed, earned a 4-2 victory over the No. 3 seeded Skyhawks.
"When we started the conference season at Morehead and Eastern Kentucky we were a good team but we didn't know who we were," said head coach Connie Keasling. "We have come together as a team and we now know who we are as a team. We know what it takes and what we have to do to win."
Juniors Alexis Webb and Lindsey Wiseman started MSU off by earning the first win in the double competition (8-4) at the No. 3 position. They were followed in victory by sophomore Cassidy Cunitz and senior Lyndsay Ottosen (8-4) at the No. 2 spot, giving the Racers a 1-0 lead heading into the singles play.
"I think today we came out and felt fresh," said Alexis Webb. "We knew what we needed to do and took care of business by playing as a team."
Cunitz was the first to finish with a victory in the singles competition, with a 6-2, 6-2 win at the No. 5 spot over Johannie VanZyl.
Webb and Wiseman then came up big for MSU again by earning the final two points in the victory. Webb earned a win at No. 2 singles (7-6 (7-3), 7-5) and Wiseman took a win at No. 4 singles (6-3, 6-4).
"I fell really good about today's team performance," said Lindsey Wiseman. "We have been working really hard as a team and are on good winning streak. We are all having fun and playing to win."
The victory advances MSU into the semifinals against No. 2 seed Austin Peay at 2 p.m. A victory over the Lady Govs would place the Racers in the championship match, Sunday, April 18 at 2 p.m.
"We match up well n some position and Austin Peay matches up better in others. It will be a very tight match and will probably come down to doubles winner."
Ohio Valley Women's Tennis Tournament
First Round
(6 Seed) Murray State vs (3 Seed) UT Martin
April 16, 2010
Singles
(1) Martie Wahl (UTM) def. Angela McGahee (MUR) - 6-1, 6-1
(2) Alexis Webb (MUR) def. Jodie Tiley (UTM) - 7-6 (7-3), 7-5
(3) Anna Winklemann (UTM) vs. Ashley Canty (MUR) - UNFINISHED
(4) Lindsey Wiseman (MUR) def. Belisa deBrito (UTM) - 6-3, 6-4
(5) Cassidy Cunitz (MUR) def. Johannie VanZyl (UTM) - 6-2, 6-2
(6) Anna Marie Herbold (UTM) def. Lyndsay Ottosen (MUR) - 6-3, 6-0
Doubles
(1) Wahl/deBrito (UTM) def. McGahee/Canty (MUR) - 8-4
(2) Ottosen/Cunitz (MUR) def. Winkelman/Herbold (UTM) - 8-4
(3) Webb/Wiseman (MUR) def. Tiley/VanZyl (UTM) - 8-4
Quotes
Head Coach Connie Keasling
"We are in the half of the bracket that we are familiar with
and are comfortable here."
"Playing in Paducah is like playing at home for us. We had an incredible support from fans and family during today's match."
Junior Alexis Webb
"We need to learn from today and know that we can play well
as a team and continue to stay focused.
It is all about playing smart, tough and competitive."
Junior Lindsey Wiseman
"Tomorrow will be a battle, but we need to remember that we are
capable of winning," Wiseman added. "We
lost to Austin Peary earlier this year, but we knew right away that it was
possible to beat them. We need to fight
for every point and not give up."
