Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirl Tennis Falls Just Short at Regional Championships
October 22, 2005 | Cowgirl Tennis
“We had a real good start to the tournament,” said head coach Julius Lubicz-Majewski. “Unfortunately, I think the the mountains and the altitude got to us and we ran out of gas. This is a very tough tournament and any win you can get here is good.”
Cowgirl Iryna Tkachenko won her match in straight sets against Arkansas' Karina Ledaja, 6-3, 6-2, to advance to the round of 16. After winning her first set, the sophomore dropped her next two against Colorado's Jessica Vanderdys and was eliminated one match away from the quarterfinals.
“Iryna played pretty well today,” said Lubicz-Majewski. “She got a little tired in the third set against the girl from Colorado. I think the altitude got to her a little.”
Teammate Lauren Simmons was also still alive in the tournament but was eliminated in the round of 32 Friday. The junior was defeated by Kansas State's Tamara Kvaratshelia, 6-1, 6-2.
“Lauren lost to a number one girl,” said Lubicz-Majewski. “She fought hard to come back but it was just not enough.”
The Cowgirl's only remaining doubles team was also eliminated on Friday. Tkachenko and freshman Zuzanna Osinska were beat by Arkansas' Mayori Franco and Karina Ledaja, 8-3, in the round of 16.
“We had some bad luck with Zuzanna, because she did not feel well," said Lubicz-Majewski. “Also, Iryna had just been beaten in the singles tournament so she was a little tired. They both competed hard, however.
“I think we played pretty well and had a good tournament. We had some positive signs,” said Lubicz-Majewski. “Our girls know what they have to do now to compete."
Results
Iryna Tkachenko (OSU) def. Karina Ledaja (Arkansas), 6-3, 6-2
Jessica Vanderdys (Colorado) def. Iryna Tkachenko (OSU), 4-6, 6-2, 6-4
Tamara Kvaratshelia (Kansas State) def. Lauren Simmons (OSU), 6-1, 6-2
Franco/Ledaja (Arkansas) def. Osinska/Tkachenko (OSU) 8-3
