Pitt
Harvard Invitational
Panthers Conclude Day One at Harvard Invite
11/7/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Flight A Sinbles | Flight B Singles | Doubles
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Highlighted by the doubles duo of Amber Washington and Lolade Ogungbesan reaching the semifinals, the University of Pittsburgh women’s tennis team conclude day one of action at the Harvard Invitational.
Washington and Ogungbesan were 2-0 on the day with wins over Syracuse’s Mitchell/Messineo (8-3) and Harvard’s Lin/He (8-4). The Pitt tandem will be paired against another Harvard duo of Lee/Lin in the semifinals tomorrow.
Washington and Ogungbesan were the only Pitt doubles team to advance as Molly Wickman and Audrey Ann Blakely lost of Harvard’s Ringblom/Mirda in a tie-break 8-7 (4), while Amanda Wickman and Callie Frey lost to Harvard’s Lee/Lin (8-4).
“We had a strong start today in doubles,” assistant coach Emily Fraser said. “Amber and Lolade came away with two wins to make the semifinals. Callie and Amanda and great energy and spirit today and put themselves in the best position to have a chance to win against a strong Harvard team. Audrey Ann and Molly could have been a little tougher at certain times during the match, but overall showed a lot of great things.”
The Panthers went 4-4 in singles action as Blakely advanced in the Flight A bracket, while both Amanda and Molly Wickman won their opening round match in the Flight B bracket. After dropping the first set, Blakely fought back to defeat SU’s Salazar 0-6, 6-2, (10-7). Molly Wickman also won in a tie break as she topped SU’s Mitchell 6-7 (4), 6-4 (10-7). Amanda Wickman defeated Wyman of Boston University in straight sets, 6-2, 6-1.
Callie Frey won a play-in match in the Flight A bracket over Boston’s Rodriguez 7-6 (3), 1-6, (10-7), but would fall in the main draw of the tournament to Lin of Harvard 6-2, 6-3.
“In singles we were a little up and down and needed to do a better job with our overall chemistry and energy. The girls are ready to have a strong day tomorrow,” Fraser said.
Action at Harvard continues tomorrow with the conclusion of the tournament set for Sunday. *Additional Note: Molly Wickman currently has 97 career victories. She would become the 16th player in program history to accomplish the feat of reaching 100 wins.
