Kentucky Women’s Tennis continued their unbeaten start to the season with a hard-fought 4-3 comeback victory over the Charlotte 49ers. This win advances the Wildcats to the regional final of the 2024 ITA Kickoff Weekend.
The match got off to a rocky start for Kentucky as they dropped the doubles point, marking the first time this season that they have started a dual with a deficit. Charlotte took the opening set at No. 1 doubles, winning a tight 6-3 contest.
However, the Wildcats responded by claiming victory on court 3, with Zoe Hammond and Julia Zhu remaining undefeated with a 7-5 win. The doubles action came down to court 2, where Ellie Eades and Lidia Gonzalez fought hard but ultimately fell short, losing 7-6 (12).
Facing their first deficit of the season, the Wildcats started strong in singles play by winning the first set on four of the six courts. Hammond quickly wrapped up her singles match on court 4, tying the match at one with a 6-1, 6-3 victory.
Ellie Myers continued her strong form by winning in straight sets on court 6, giving Kentucky their first lead of the dual. Myers is now 4-0 this season in collegiate duals, all of which have been straight set victories.
Charlotte regained the lead with wins on the top two courts. Stephens fell in straight sets on court 1, while Eades had the opportunity to push her match to a decisive third set but fell short in the second set tiebreaker.
With the Wildcats needing to win on the final two courts, Gonzalez delivered a clutch performance on court 3, coming back from a break down to win 7-5, 6-4. Freshman Julia Zhu sealed the victory for Kentucky with a gritty three-set win on court 5.
Kentucky’s head coach praised the team’s perseverance, saying, “I’m proud of how the team fought back after losing the doubles point. We showed great resilience and determination.”
The Wildcats will now face the winner of No. 1 North Carolina and Oregon in the regional final. The match will be a test for Kentucky, as it will be their first this season against a ranked opponent.
The regional final will be streamed on ESPN+ as part of Cracked Racquets’ CrossCourt Cast. The Wildcats will be looking to continue their undefeated streak and secure a spot in the upcoming tournament in Seattle.
