Baylor women’s tennis started its season with success, finishing the Under Armour/H-E-B Kickoff with a 7-2 record at the Hurd Tennis Center this weekend.
Baylor went 3-1 against Ohio State in singles Saturday. Sophomore Kelley Anderson won her first match of the season after defeating Ferny Angeles-Paz (6-3, 6-3). Freshman Elizabeth Profit picked up her first collegiate career victories after going 3-0 for the weekend in singles play.
Sophomore Theresa Van Zyl began the competition with a 2-0 start thanks to a three set victory over Olivia Sneed (6-2, 5-7, 6-2). The sophomore suffered her first loss of the season on Sunday 6-4, 6-2 to Eva Paalma.
Baylor head coach Joey Scrivano said he liked the team’s success and their ability to remain focused.
“We improved in some key areas today, and I continue to be encouraged and pleased with our team’s progress,” Scrivano said. “I’m proud of these girls, the work they are putting in, and their openness to learn.”
Junior Rhiann Newborn suffered the only loss on Saturday after a 6-3, 6-3 setback against Anna Sanford.
The Bears also performed well in doubles play. Anderson and Profit defeated Natalia Maynetto and Aryn Greene of Alabama (8-5).
Baylor continued its winning ways Sunday as the two newest members of the team, Newborn and Profit, won their singles matches.
Newborn logged her first win as a Bear by downing Anna Mamalat 6-2, 6-2. Profit impressively finished the tournament unscathed as she won her final match against No. 107 Stephania Hristov. After the match, Scrivano spoke about the production from the newcomers.
“We made progress over the course of the tournament, and we continue to take steps in the right direction,” Scrivano said. “Obviously, it’s early and we have a lot of room to grow, but this team is embracing the work. Elizabeth and Rhiann are great additions to our team, and I’m proud of the way they are adjusting to Baylor. Overall, everyone competed well this weekend.”
The Bears played against Texas A&M in singles action on Sunday, going 2-1. Theresa Van Zyl experienced her first loss of the 2015 season after losing to Eva Paalma 6-4, 6-2.
Baylor didn’t fare as well in doubles action on Sunday as it split the matches with Ohio State. Anderson and Profit defeated Anna Sanford and Olivia Sneed 8-4. However, Newborn and Van Zyl lost 8-4 against Grainne O’Neill and Ferny Angeles Paz.
Next up for Baylor is the Rice Invitational hosted Friday through Sunday in Houston at the George R. Brown Tennis Center.
