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Burgic, Shankle Fall In NCAA Doubles Quarterfinals

Posted at 6:08 PM, May 24, 2015
and last updated 2015-05-24 19:08:13-04

WACO, Texas – The Baylor women's tennis doubles pairing of Ema Burgic and Blair Shankle had its season ended with a three-set defeat in the NCAA Doubles Championship quarterfinals Saturday at the Hawkins Indoor Tennis Center.

After picking up two wins to start its NCAA run, the 14th-ranked BU duo fell short against Alabama's No. 1 ranked pairing of Maya Jansen and Erin Routliffe, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1.  The loss drops the BU tandem's record to 13-5 on the season.

In the first set, BU broke both Routliffe and Jansen to gain a 3-2 advantage and never looked back. The pairing got a hold from Burgic and then another break to take a 5-2 lead, before the Crimson Tide responded with two game wins. Burgic then closed out the first set with a hold.

In the second set, Burgic and Shankle again broke for a 2-1 advantage, before the two teams traded holds for 3-3. The Alabama duo then held and broke Shankle for a 5-3 edge. The BU tandem didn't go quietly as it broke and Burgic held to tie things at 5-5. However, the Crimson Tide would hold and then break Shankle again to claim the second set 7-5.

In the third and deciding set, the momentum turned in Alabama's favor as the Crimson Tide rolled to a 6-1 triumph.

TOP QUOTE #1

“Blair and Ema did great to win that first set. They came in to the match with a really good mindset. A team of that caliber is going to make adjustments. They made a few adjustments and unfortunately we didn't stay with it and compete. You are not going to beat a team like that in straight sets. It is going to be tough. I felt we just let down a little bit and got caught up in the moment.“ – head coach Joey Scrivano on the doubles loss

TOP QUOTE #2
This was probably the best four years of my life. Everything that I have experienced here and accomplished, the people I have met – I will never forget it. Unfortunately, it came to an end, but everything comes to an end eventually. I am starting a new chapter in my life and am excited for that. I think I am ready and Baylor has helped me a lot. I am looking forward to it.” – Ema Burgic on the day

TOP QUOTE #3

“We played very aggressive and smart at the same time. We lobbed when we needed to, and we took the balls away from them, like the net balls. It was a good first set, and a tough second set. Then, they really started playing well in the third, and got us on a couple that we should have executed a little better.” – Shankle on the doubles loss

WHAT'S NEXT
The loss concludes Baylor's 2014-2015 season.

Follow the official Twitter account of the team: @BaylorWTennis for an inside look at the team with scores, notes and stories.