Vanderbilt Women's Tennis Showcases Resilience at ITA All-American Championships

The Vanderbilt Commodores women's tennis team kicked off their fall season with a strong showing at the prestigious ITA All-American Championships. Despite facing stiff competition, the team demonstrated their determination and potential, with several standout performances that highlighted their growth and development.

Vanderbilt Commodores Embrace the Challenge of ITA All-American Championships

Prequalifying Draws: Commodores Secure Early Victories

Vanderbilt's young talent shone brightly in the prequalifying draws, with Amy Stevens, Sonya Macavei, Sophia Webster, and Valeria Ray all competing. While Macavei fell in her opening match, the other three Commodores notched early victories, including Webster's impressive three-set comeback for her first collegiate win.

Valeria Ray's Remarkable Run to the Qualifying Round

Valeria Ray's performance was a true highlight of the tournament. After securing her first win, Ray dominated her second match, winning in straight sets. Her third victory over Iowa State's Anna Supapitch Kuearum, also in straight sets, propelled her to the qualifying round. Although Ray's run ended in the opening round of qualifying, her grit and determination were on full display.

Célia-Belle Mohr and Bridget Stammel Shine in the Main Draw

In the main draw, Vanderbilt's top players, Célia-Belle Mohr and Bridget Stammel, showcased their talent. Mohr opened with a strong 6-4, 6-2 victory over Baylor's No. 27 Cristina Tiglea, while Stammel followed suit with a win against Duke's No. 41 Emma Jackson. However, both players faced tough competition in the round of 32, with Mohr falling to Tennessee's No. 62 Elza Tomase and Stammel losing to Pepperdine's No. 8 Savannah Broadus.

Doubles Duo Mohr and Webster Advance to Quarterfinals

The Commodores' doubles teams showcased their resilience and teamwork throughout the tournament. The duo of Mohr and Webster, ranked No. 29, made a remarkable run, defeating Virginia Tech and UCLA before facing their toughest challenge against No. 13 Virginia. Mohr and Webster prevailed in a tight first set and then took control of the match, winning the second set 6-2 to advance to the main draw.In the round of 16, Mohr and Webster faced an even stiffer test against TCU's No. 12 Jade Otway and Isabel Pascual. After a close first set, the Commodores outlasted their opponents in a third-set tiebreak to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. However, their run came to an end against No. 16 Berkeley's Jessica Alsola and Moa Mushika.

Stammel and Ray's Doubles Journey

Vanderbilt's second doubles team, Stammel and Ray, ranked No. 64, also faced tough competition. They defeated Florida's Alicia Dudeney and Bente Spee in the qualifying round but fell to UCLA's No. 28 Ahmani Guichard and Anne-Christine Lutkemeyer, ending their tournament.

Head Coach Aleke Tsoubanos Reflects on the Team's Performance

Despite the mixed results, head coach Aleke Tsoubanos remained positive, acknowledging the grueling nature of the tournament and the progress she saw in her team. "Certainly, we were hoping to punch some tickets this week," Tsoubanos said. "But this is an incredibly tough tournament with a significant demand physically and mentally to be playing on the final few days. I do think, in general, we made some good steps forward and have seen some nice development from the returners."The Vanderbilt Commodores' performance at the ITA All-American Championships showcased their resilience, talent, and potential. As they look ahead to the ITA Ohio Valley Regional Championships, the team is poised to build on their experiences and continue their growth as a formidable force in collegiate tennis.