Tennis Stats

PHOENIX, Ariz. – The No. 28 Tarleton TexAnn tennis team split the first day of the Academy of Art Invitational Tournament Thursday afternoon, falling to the host team before rebounding with a sweep of Metro State.
   
The TexAnns opened play against the tournament host, AAU, and only managed one singles and one doubles win as they dropped the match 7-2.
 
“We knew it would be a good match between two solid teams,” said Tarleton coach Lance Drake. “AAU is one of the more improved teams in the West Region and in the nation. We had opportunities at times today and didn't play well in some key times.”
 
Makenzie Mitchell and April Downing were the only team to pull out a doubles victory in the No. 3 match, defeating the AAU team 8-2.
 
“We really needed a strong start in doubles and only the No. 3 team was able to come out on top,” said Drake. “Makenzie and April really did the little things well today and I'm proud of them.”
 
Karla Martinez and Ivana Zecevic were the No. 1 seeded team for Tarleton and fell 5-8 while Alicia Perez and Melanie Barnes compiled the No. 2 team and dropped their match 2-8.
 
In singles action, Perez dominated her opponent in the No. 1 match, but the rest of the TexAnns all suffered defeat.
 
“We made some adjustments throughout but couldn't capitalize at key times,” said Drake. “We tried to turn the momentum, but AAU did a good job of keeping us at bay. I've got to do a better job of coaching as well – both in preparation and on the court.”
 
Martinez and Barnes each went down to the wire, forcing a third set, but each falling in the No. 2 and No. 4 spots, respectively. Martinez fell 4-6, 6-3, 9-11 while Barnes was bested 3-6, 6-4, 7-10.
 
Zecevic (0-6, 3-6) dropped the No. 3 match while Silvia Nieva (1-6, 2-6) and Mitchell (1-6, 1-6) fell in the No. 5 and No. 6 matches.
 
“Coach Peach and his squad performed well and took the win,” said Drake. “They deserve it because they definitely outplayed us at some times. It was a good match for both squads as both of the teams played better as the match progressed.”
   
The TexAnns rebounded from the tournament-opening loss with a sweep of regional rival Metro State of Denver.
 
“This was our first match of the year in which we had to play two matches in one day and the mindset we needed was to be able to recover from the first and go out and perform in the next one,” said Drake. “I thought our team did a good job in getting ready to play doubles and came out focused on performing better.”
 
Tarleton dominated the doubles play, with Metro State only winning three total sets in all three of the games.
 
Last year's all-conference doubles team paired up for the first time this season as Martinez and Barnes handled the No. 1 match 8-3 while Perez and Downing, as well as Zecevic and Nieva, shutout the No. 2 and No. 3 matches 8-0.
 
In singles play, the TexAnns continued their dominance of Metro State by handling the top four singles with ease and pulling off hard fought matches in the No. 5 and No. 6 spots.
 
“The top four singles girls did what they needed to do by taking control of their matches early,” said Drake. “Makenzie and Silvia battled in the 5-6 spots. Makenzie's game is continuing to evolve. She has been in some close matches and she is beginning to believe and recognize.
 
“Silvia did a great job of battling back in the second set after falling behind 0-4,” he continued. “She made some adjustments, fought hard and was able to capture the match.”
 
Martinez (6-2, 6-3) won the No. 1 match of the day while Perez (6-2, 6-1) handled the No. 2 spot. Barnes (6-0, 6-2) and Zecevic (6-0, 6-2) cruised to the wins in the No. 3 and No. 4 spots, respectively.
 
Mitchell won her close battle in the No. 5 game 7-5, 7-5 while Nieva won the No. 6 match 6-2, 7-5.
 
Tarleton is back in action today with a single game against Fresno Pacific in Phoenix, AZ.