Friday, April 30
Denver, Colo.
6:00 PM
Kansas City
4
vs
3
University of North Dakota
Photo by: Denver Athletics
Roos Advance to Summit Tennis Championship
4/30/2021 10:09:00 PM | Women's Tennis
Senior leadership carries KC over UND and into Finals
DENVER, Colo. - A nearly three-hour battle finally came to a close when Anastassiya Timofeyeva won the final point in the third set, sending Kansas City Women's Tennis to the Summit League Finals with a 4-3 win over North Dakota.
"'We own the night' was our mantra," Head Coach Kendell Hale said. "Our seniors led so well."
After UND took the point in doubles, seniors Yana Grechkina and Thaushree Vale set the tone for Kansas City in singles play.
Vale was the first off of the court, breezing through the Fighting Hawks' Ochotorena, 6-0, 6-3. The win is Vale's fifth in a row in singles, tying her season-long streak.
Grechkina made quick work of her opponent as well, defeating Sapir Sela, 6-2, 6-4.Â
"Yana stepped up big to beat someone that beat her last time and Tan played like she has all season with an easy win," Hale said.
The Roos fell behind once again, with Riddhi Sharma and Grace Ball each falling in two-set decisions. Facing a 3-2 deficit Michela Xibilia and Anastassiya Timofeyeva were left on the court, each of whom had dropped their first sets.
Xibilia tied the match up, winning in three sets, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4. Then, Timofeyeva stepped up in a big spot to clinch the match with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory.
"As soon as the sun set, we picked up our game and forced some third sets," Hale said. "Michi played like a champ and had a great third set. Then our freshman, Nastia came through big for the win."
The Roos will take on first-seeded Denver tomorrow at 3Â p.m. with a berth for the NCAA tournament on the line.Â
"'We own the night' was our mantra," Head Coach Kendell Hale said. "Our seniors led so well."
After UND took the point in doubles, seniors Yana Grechkina and Thaushree Vale set the tone for Kansas City in singles play.
Vale was the first off of the court, breezing through the Fighting Hawks' Ochotorena, 6-0, 6-3. The win is Vale's fifth in a row in singles, tying her season-long streak.
Grechkina made quick work of her opponent as well, defeating Sapir Sela, 6-2, 6-4.Â
"Yana stepped up big to beat someone that beat her last time and Tan played like she has all season with an easy win," Hale said.
The Roos fell behind once again, with Riddhi Sharma and Grace Ball each falling in two-set decisions. Facing a 3-2 deficit Michela Xibilia and Anastassiya Timofeyeva were left on the court, each of whom had dropped their first sets.
Xibilia tied the match up, winning in three sets, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4. Then, Timofeyeva stepped up in a big spot to clinch the match with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory.
"As soon as the sun set, we picked up our game and forced some third sets," Hale said. "Michi played like a champ and had a great third set. Then our freshman, Nastia came through big for the win."
The Roos will take on first-seeded Denver tomorrow at 3Â p.m. with a berth for the NCAA tournament on the line.Â
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
A Sit-Down Conversation with Head Tennis Coach Kendell Hale
Wednesday, July 26
Senior Day: Michela Xibilia
Sunday, April 16
Postgame Interview: Michela Xibilia post-North Dakota
Saturday, April 08
Postgame Interview: Coach Hale post-South Dakota
Saturday, March 25