Tulsa Women’s Tennis’ Leenabanchong and Okalova Advance to Round of 16 at ITA Regionals
10/14/2016 8:42:00 PM | Women's Tennis
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The University of Tulsa Women's Tennis team had two athletes advance to the round of 16 at the ITA Regionals on Friday evening as Rongrong Leenabanchong and Martina Okalova both won two matches on their day to remain in the main draw of the weekend. Tulsa was represented in eight matches on the day, earning seven wins in total.
Nine-seeded Leenabanchong continued her strong play in the round of 64, besting Nebraska's Mbalia Bangoura 6-2, 6-1 in her first match of the day. Leenabanchong faced a ranked opponent in Nina Khmelnitckaia of Kansas in the round of 32, coming away with a straight set win 6-4, 6-3. The senior will look to advance to the quarterfinals tomorrow with a match against five-seeded Shannon Hudson of Arkansas at 1:30 p.m.
Okalova advanced to the round of 16 as the 17-seed, putting in a dominant performance Northern Iowa's Elvira Lopez in the round of 64, dropping just one game in a 6-0, 6-1 win. Okalova dropped two games in her second match against Natsuho Arakawa of Arkansas in her round of 32 match, coming away with a 6-2, 6-0 win. Through three matches at the ITA Regionals, Okalova has surrendered just five games while taking all three in straight sets. The freshman will take on Oklahoma State's ninth-seed Katarina Stresnakova tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line.
Fellow freshman Vera Ploner took on nine-seed Janet Koch from Kansas in her round of 64 matchup early in the day, but fell 6-0, 6-2.
In consolation play, Martha Matoula came out on top in straight sets against Kenzie Hill of Nebraska-Omaha 6-1, 6-0. Matoula will continue consolation play at a time to be announced.
Mahitha Dadireddy took on Arkansas State's Shannon O'Brien in her opening match of consolation play, dropping just two games on her way to winning in straight sets 6-1, 6-1.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
Women's History Month - Celebrating Anousjka van Exel
Tuesday, March 19
WTEN | Coach Orford ESPN+ Halftime Interview
Monday, February 12
WTEN | 2023 Season Update with Dean Orford
Thursday, January 19
WTEN | American Tournament Semifinal Clinch
Friday, April 22