Women’s Tennis Begins Jaudon Era with Doubleheader Victory

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky Wildcats made a strong start to their 2024 campaign, securing two victories in a Sunday doubleheader at the Hilary J. Boone Tennis Complex. First-year Head Coach Shelley Jaudon led her team to a 5-2 win over ETSU in the first match of the day, followed by a dominant 7-0 victory over Miami (OH).
Junior Lidia Gonzalez and sophomore Zoe Hammond shined for the Wildcats, remaining undefeated with wins in both singles and doubles matches. Freshman Julia Zhu joined Ellie Myers in winning their collegiate debut matches.
The day began with Kentucky taking on ETSU. The Wildcats started off strong, winning the first doubles point of the season. The team of Hammond and Zhu secured a dominant 6-1 victory in their doubles match. Ellie Eades and Lidia Gonzalez, ranked No. 25 in the nation, clinched the point with a 6-2 win.
With a 1-0 lead, Kentucky continued their success in singles matches, securing victories on the bottom four courts. Hammond claimed the first singles win for the Wildcats, defeating her opponent 6-3, 2-6, 6-3. Gonzalez fought a gritty battle and secured a 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 victory. Eades lost a three-setter on Court 2, but the victories from Zhu and Myers secured the win for Kentucky.
The Wildcats then took on Miami (OH) in the second match of the day. Eades and Gonzalez picked up their second win of the day with a 6-3 victory on Court 1. Mills and Stevens showcased their skills by turning an 0-5 deficit into a 7-5 victory on Court 2, sealing the doubles point for Kentucky.
In singles action, Kentucky continued their winning streak, securing victories on the top four courts. Hammond overcame an early deficit to claim a convincing victory. Eades followed suit, winning on Court 1 for the first time in her junior career. Mills clinched the second victory of the day, while Gonzalez and Morante also secured wins. Myers closed out the day with her second singles win.
The Wildcats will wrap up their three-match homestand on Saturday, January 20, against Penn State. The match will take place at the Hilary J. Boone Tennis Complex, with free admission for the public.
For the latest updates on UK Women’s Tennis, follow the Wildcats on Twitter and Instagram at @UKWomensTennis.