Overcoming some opening day jitters, the Sam Houston women's tennis team rolled to a 7-0 victory over LSU-Alexandria in the Bearkats' first of three matches this weekend at the McAdams Tennis Center in Huntsville.
The Sam women won in straight sets in all six singles contests and took all three doubles sets for the seventh point.
“We all talked about how everyone was going to be a little anxious for opening day and they were,” Sam Houston head coach Jim Giachino. “But it's a positive that the girls were able to overcome the tension and pick up a win in our opening match.”
Two Bearkats, Carrie Casey and Ema Barkovic, were playing in their first matches ever for Sam Houston. Casey won 7-5 6-4 at number two singles and Barkovic finished strong in a 6-0 6-1 victory at number three.
“I didn't play my best tennis today, but it was good to get the win,” Casey said. “Coach told me after we finished that it's easy to win when everything is going right for you. But, when you have to fight and pull out the win, that's the mark of a good team. We're going to be a lot more composed tomorrow.”
Sam Houston's opening weekend of tennis will continue with 1 p.m. matches against Louisiana Tech on Saturday and Prairie View A&M on Sunday.
“LSU-Alexandria opened their season yesterday at Prairie View and their coach told me that they were nervous on their opening day too,” Giachino said. “It's the same at every level of tennis. I expect our girls to come out much stronger tomorrow. We will need to, because Louisiana Tech is a much stronger team.”
Returning letterwinners Fabienne Gettwart, Maddie Mortimore, Mila Milanovic and Caitlyn Mitchell won their singles matches at the one, four, five and six positions. Gettwart and Mitchell had the toughest fight in doubles, winning at number three in a tie-breaker.
“Yes, we had to overcome some nerves, but it is great to be playing at home this weekend,” Gettwart said. “It's good to have our friends and supporters here.”
Complete results for Friday's match:
Tennis Match Results
LSU-Alexandria vs Sam Houston State University
Jan 29, 2016 at Huntsville, Texas
(McAdams Tennis Center)
Sam Houston State University 7, LSU-Alexandria 0
Doubles competition
1. Carrie Casey/Mila Milanovic (SHSU) def. Sara Andrade/Gisela Amor (LSUA) 6-2
2. Ema Barkovic/Maddie Mortimore (SHSU) def. Paula Gordilla/Claudia vandenBrink (LSUA) 6-2
3. Fabienne Gettwart/Caitlyn Mitchell (SHSU) def. Liz Arens/Ariadna Cabezas (LSUA) 7-6 (7-4)
Singles competition
1. Fabienne Gettwart (SHSU) def. Gisela Amor (LSUA) 6-1, 6-4
2. Carrie Casey (SHSU) def. Sara Andrade (LSUA) 7-5, 6-4
3. Ema Barkovic (SHSU) def. Betsabe Vasquez (LSUA) 6-0, 6-1
4. Maddie Mortimore (SHSU) def. Paula Gordilla (LSUA) 6-0, 6-0
5. Mila Milanovic (SHSU) def. Claudia vandenBrink (LSUA) 6-3, 6-3
6. Caitlyn Mitchell (SHSU) def. Nicolette Uscocovich (LSUA) 7-6 (7-2), 6-3
Records: Sam Houston 1-0, LSU-Alexandria 0-2
