Irina Sotnikova wins SFA Fall Tennis Classic
9/27/2008 1:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
NACOGDOCHES ? Irina Sotnikova, already the “winningest” player in Sam Houston State women's tennis history, started her senior season on the right foot by winning the championship in the No. 1 singles flight at the Stephen F. Austin Fall Invitational Friday and Saturday.
Sotnikova upped her career singles record to 64-22 with three wins in the event. She defeated Maria Gutierrez of Lamar in the finals 6-2 6-0 Saturday. Sotnikova defated Katie Lange of Northwestern State 6-0 6-1 and Martina Gutierrez of Lamar 6-1 6-3 in the semifinals on final.
Sotnikova made it a perfect weekend by teaming with senior Peta Taylor to win the No. 1 doubles flight as well. The pair defeated Regina Enica and Kathy Khuzko of Stephen F. Austin 8-1 in the finals.
In other action for the Bearkats, Eleonora Kuruc reached the finals of the No. 4 singles flight, falling 6-1 6-4 to Maria Kuroda of Lamar. Patti Manzur won the consolation championship in the No. 5 singles flight, defeating Kristy Kruse of Texas State-San Marcos 6-2 6-4.
Kuruc and Manzur teamed to take third place in the No. 3 doubles flight.
“Overall I was pleased with the play of the girls in our first tournament of the year,” head coach Jim Giachino said. “Irina had a spectacular opening tournament, never dropping more than four games in any of her singles matchs. She and Peta also picked up where they left off last year, dominating the doubles field to win the event. Patti Manzur, Eleonora Kuruc and Stasa Vujosevic, who struggled some last year, all played well at the tournament. I hope their renewed confidence will pay dividends when conference season starts next spring.”
