The Baylor women’s tennis program saw action at home and away this Sunday. Senior Blair Shankle and sophomore Elizabeth Profit concluded USTA/ITA Intercollegiate National Championship play in New York, while senior Rhiann Newborn, junior Theresa Van Zyl, sophomore Karina Traxler and freshman Jessica Hinojosa kicked off Bush’s $50,000 Waco Showdown action.
Shankle and Profit, who notched wins over tournament No. 2 and No. 3 seeds to get there, dropped the consolation doubles final, 6-1, 6-2, to Michigan’s Alex Najarian and Kate Fahey. The duo posted a 2-2 record against the 20-team field and are 7-2 overall this fall.
Meanwhile, four Bears opened Bush’s Waco Showdown play with in singles qualifying rounds. Hinojosa defeated junior player Karla De La Luz Montalvo of Mexico in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, while Newborn outlasted Russia’s Nika Kukharchuk in a grueling, three-hour match, 7-5, 5-7, 6-4.
Traxler battled it out with Janice Shin of the United States, but ultimately fell in three sets. After falling in the first set, 6-1, Traxler rebounded with a win in the second, 6-1. Shin recorded the win, 6-3, in the third set. Van Zyl also fell in a tight match, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, to the United States’ Amy Zhu.
TOP QUOTES
“I thought we battled and showed some toughness today. Rhiann stayed focused to pull out a grueling three-setter and it was good to see Jessica start off strong with a win in straight sets. Also, I am proud of the way Theresa and Karina competed in tough three-set losses. I’m looking forward to the upcoming matches and the rest of our players continue to progress throughout the tournament in front of our home crowd this week.” – Head coach Joey Scrivano
“I think Blair and Liz are on the right track. Improvements can always be made, but knocking off No. 2 and No. 3 seeded teams are promising signs for our doubles lineup this spring. I’m sure they are excited to see what they can do at the Bush’s $50,000 Waco Showdown this week.” – Head coach Joey Scrivano
WHAT'S NEXT
Freshman Jessica Hinojosa and senior Rhiann Newborn continue Bush’s $50,000 Waco Showdown singles qualifying round action at Hurd Tennis Center on Monday, Nov. 7. Hinojosa will meet No. 2 seed Caitlin Whoriskey (USA), while Newborn will play Ukraine’s Elizaveta Ianchuk. Start times have yet to be determined.
