Women's Tennis Conclude Play at ITA Southern Regional

Sunday, October 16

Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Tulane University

ITA Southern Regional

Women's Tennis Conclude Play at ITA Southern Regional

Oct 16, 2016 | Women's Tennis

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Tulane women's tennis team wrapped up play at the ITA Southern Regional on Sunday, hosted by the University of Alabama. Junior Sade Atkinson recorded her best fall tournament to date, knocking off Louisiana Tech's Marta Sramkova and No. 51 Natalie Suk of Ole Miss to reach the Round of 16. The victory over Suk marked Atkinson's first career victory over a ranked opponent, as the New Zealand native improved to 5-3 this fall.

"Some great things came from this tournament," Tulane head coach Terri Sisk stated. "First and foremost, Sade really showed what she is capable of after avenging a loss form earlier this year, then following it with the biggest win of her career over No. 51 nationally ranked Natalie Suk from Ole Miss. I'm truly excited about what she is bringing to the table this year."

Naz Karagoz earned a win in the first round, defeating Samford's Savannah Wood, 6-1, 6-2, but dropped a tough three-setter against LSU's Ryann Foster.

"Naz had a nice win in the first round and then fell in three sets to Ryann Foster of LSU, but the great part is how Naz is approaching these matches mentally this year and handling the pressure of each situation," Sisk explained.

Freshman Christina Sisti continued her great fall campaign by earning a singles victory in her first crack at the Tulane-LSU rivalry, defeating Skylar Holloway, 6-0, 6-4. Meanwhile, sophomore Elena Muller battled No. 81 Tea Jandric of Ole Miss in a close one, but ultimately fell, 7-6(6), 6-2.

"Christina had an incredible win over LSU's Skylar Holloway in the first round and then fell to Auburn's Taylor Russo in a very tight match in the second round," Sisk added. "Elena had set points against Ole Miss' Tea Jandric, but her back began to give her some issues so she wasn't able to close it out and in turn had to default from the tournament."

Sophomore Sofia Kurtz garnered a win in the B consolation draw, besting Jackson State's Svea Mai, 6-4, 6-2.

"Sofia really got her feet under herself in her second match and started really dictating and being aggressive so that's great for her," Sisk explained.

Up next, the Green Wave will compete in another fall tournament staple of theirs in the Roberta Fall Classic, returning to Tuscaloosa on Friday, Oct. 28, for the three-day event.

"I'm just so proud of the victories we are having but even more excited about the progression we are making, individually, and as a team," Sisk said. "The work ethic and discipline is incredible and really fun to witness, and will definitely pay off in the remainder of the fall and in our spring dual matches."

Green Wave Results:
Singles Main Draw – Round of 64
Sade Atkinson (TLN) def. Marta Sramkova (LaTech), 6-2, 7-6(5)
Christina Sisti (TLN) def. Skylar Holloway (LSU), 6-0, 6-4
No. 81 Tea Jandric (OM) def. Elena Muller (TLN), 7-6(6), 6-2
Naz Karagoz (TLN) def. Savannah Wood (SAM), 6-1, 6-2

Singles Main Draw – Round of 32
Sade Atkinson (TLN) def. No. 51 Natalie Suk (OM), 6-0, 4-6, 6-2
Taylor Russo (AU) def. Christina Sisti (TLN), 6-4, 6-1
Ryann Foster (LSU) def. Naz Karagoz (TLN), 6-1, 0-6, 6-1

Singles Main Draw – Round of 16
Stefana Andrei (ULM) def. Sade Atkinson (TLN), 6-4, 7-5

Singles B Draw – Round of 32
Cameron Kriscunas (OM) def. Sofia Kurtz (TLN), 6-1, 6-2

Singles B Consolation
Sofia Kurtz (TLN) def. Svea Mai (JSU), 6-4, 6-2
Hayley Ballinger (LaTech) def. Sofia Kurtz (TLN), 6-7(4), 7-6(4), 10-6

Doubles Main Draw – Round of 32
Karagoz/Atkinson (TLN) def. Britos/Sramkova (LaTech), 8-6
Khairudinova/Jandric (OM) def. Sisti/Muller (TLN), 8-4.

Doubles Main Draw – Round of 16
Rioux/Lizariturry (MSU) def. Karagoz/Atkinson (TLN), 8-4