Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirls Ready to Take On Florida in Sweet 16
May 13, 2015 | Cowgirl Tennis
The Basics
The 12th-ranked Oklahoma State women's tennis team has advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament for the first time since the women's field expanded to a 64-team draw in 1996. This will be the program's 12th appearance in the round of 16. The Cowgirls face fifth-seeded Florida on Friday at 4 p.m. at the Hurd Tennis Center in Waco, Texas. The winner will move on to the Elite 8.Â
Keep Up with the Tournament
Fans can keep up with championship action through live stats and video on baylorbears.com or by following @CowgirlTennis on Twitter for updates throughout the match.
In the ITA Rankings
The Cowgirls find themselves in the top 15 for the 15th week in a row at the No. 12-spot in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) rankings. Florida holds a No. 5 ranking. Â
Two Cowgirls are featured in the singles poll including sophomore All-American Viktoriya Lushkova at No. 17 and freshman Vladica Babic is ranked No. 99. Florida has five players ranked in singles. Leading the Gators is No. 3 Brooke Austin.
Lushkova and doubles partner Laurente, a transfer from the University of Miami, pair up as the nation's 12th-ranked doubles team. The Gators bring No. 6 Austin/Keegan and No. 71 Liang/Woolcock.
Last Time Out
The Cowgirls are fresh off an exciting weekend of winning as they defeated Boston U. in the first round of the NCAA tournament before notching a thrilling 4-3 win over No. 27 Arizona State in the second round on Sunday. The match came down to No. 17 Lushkova vs. No. 30 Desirae Krawczyk of ASU. Lushkova won the three-setter, sending OSU to the Sweet 16.Â
No. 12 Oklahoma State 4, No. 27 Arizona State 3
May 10, 2015 :: Stillwater, Okla. (Greenwood Tennis Center) :: NCAA Second Round
Doubles | Order of finish: 3,2,1
1. #26 Krawczyk/ Vlad (ASU) def. #12 Lushkova/ Laurente (OSU) 8-6
2. Adamovic/ Babic (OSU) def. #49 Jump/ Smith (ASU) 8-3
3. Osborne/ Panoho (ASU) def. Tur Mari/ Alvarez (OSU) 8-1
Singles | Order of finish: 4,3,6,2,5,1*
1. #17 Viktoriya Lushkova (OSU) def. #30 Desirae Krawczyk (ASU) 4-6, 6-2, 7-5
2. Stephanie Vlad (ASU) def. Katarina Adamovic (OSU) 6-2, 7-5
3. Kelsey Laurente (OSU) def. Kassidy Jump (ASU) 6-3, 6-1
4. #99 Vladica Babic (OSU) def. Joanna Smith (ASU) 6-1, 6-0
5. Ebony Panoho (ASU) def. Carla Tur Mari (OSU) 6-1, 7-6 (7-2)
6. Maria Alvarez (OSU) def. Gussie O'Sullivan (ASU) 6-2, 7-5
Becoming Regulars
The Cowgirls are becoming regulars to the NCAA tournament. OSU is making its fourth-straight appearance to the big dance for the first time since the 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991 seasons. This marks their 17th overall appearance.
Young, Steinbock earn ITA Central Region Coaching Awards
Oklahoma State women's tennis coach Chris Young was named the Intercollegiate Tennis Associations' Central Region Coach of the Year. Alongside him, the Cowgirl's assistant coach Courtney Steinbock was honored as the Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year. It was announced Tuesday. The coaching duo has seen the squad to incredible heights this season.
Young is receiving his second Central Region Coach of the Year title, as his first came in 2007 while he was at Wichita State.
Lushkova and Laurente Selected for NCAAs
Oklahoma State women's tennis players Viktoriya Lushkova and Kelsey Laurente have been selected to compete in this year's NCAA individual tennis championships, which will be held May 20-25.
Lushkova and Laurente will compete in a 32-team doubles draw, and Lushkova will also compete individually in a 64-player singles draw.
Receiving All-American status in 2014, Lushkova will make back-to-back NCAA singles appearances. The sophomore compiled a 10-3 record for the Cowgirls this spring, competing at the No. 1 spot.
Lushkova and Laurente, who went 8-6 as a duo, give the program its second qualifying doubles team since 2002. The last Cowgirl pair to earn a spot in the tournament was Malika Rose and Kanyapat Narattana in 2013.
Four Cowgirls Earn Big 12 Honors
Sophomore Viktoriya Lushkova was named Big 12 Conference Co-Player of the Year. She shares this honor with Ema Burgic from Baylor. Earning another annual award was Cowgirl Kelsey Laurente, who was named the Big 12's Newcomer of the Year.
Lushkova was also named to the All-Big 12 singles team for the second year in a row. She is joined by teammate Katarina Adamovic.
Two Cowgirl duos were named to the All-Big 12 doubles team. Lushkova and Laurente went 21-9 as a pair and Adamovic and Vladica Babic have compiled a 24-10 record, with seven wins coming in conference competition.
Shut Them Down
Oklahoma State has produced 15 shut outs this season. The Cowgirls have shut out the opponent in seven of their last nine matches, including a 4-0 shut out of the Boston University Terriers in the first round of the NCAA Championships.
The Greenwood Effect
The Cowgirls wrapped up a dominant home season, compiling a 13-1 record at the Greenwood Tennis Center. In addition to the magnificent home record, the Cowgirls have outscored their opponents at home, 62-9, surrendering only nine team points on the season. The Cowgirls had key home victories against Ole Miss, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Arizona State.
Road Killers
OSU has performed just as well on the road this season, stringing together a 5-1 record in true road matches and a 5-3 mark at neutral sites. The Cowgirls improved to 10-4 in matches away from the Greenwood Tennis Center after defeating Kansas at the Big 12 Championships in Waco, Texas.
New Highs
Oklahoma State's women's tennis squad jumped to the No. 8-spot earlier in the season in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's rankings, making it the highest ranking ever for the Cowgirl Tennis program. This week, the Cowgirls are enjoying their 15th-consecutive week in the top 15.
Two Cowgirls also set school records in singles and doubles rankings. Viktoriya Lushkova became the highest ranked singles player in program history when she earned a No. 10 ranking on Jan. 6. Lushkova and partner Kelsey Laurente also became the highest ranked doubles team in the program when they were tabbed as the No. 3 team on Feb. 10.
The Cowgirls wrapped up the regular season by recording their first 20-win season since 2001. The Cowgirls have compiled an 82.1 win percentage so far this season.
This season has brought other new experiences for the program as OSU made its first appearance in the ITA Indoor Team Championships after going undefeated at the ITA Kickoff Weekend event in January. They are also heading to the round of 16 at the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1996.
Alvarez, Tur Mari Get 50
Junior Maria Alvarez notched her 50th singles win earlier in the season, defeating Katelyn Jackson of Texas Tech in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3. She now holds a career record of 65-32 and is eighth in singles wins during the Big 12 era for the Cowgirls. She leads the squad in wins this season with 29.
Tur Mari picked up her 50th win in the first round of NCAAs over Boston U's Iris Lin, 6-1, 6-0. She holds a 50-25 overall singles record.
Success Against the Best
Oklahoma State has compiled a 23-5 record coming into the weekend, but the number in the loss column doesn't define the Cowgirls' season. Of the 28 matches the Cowgirls have played this season, 19 were against ranked opponents. The Cowgirls have surpassed tough tests against No. 24 Ole Miss, No. 29 Texas Tech, No. 31/32 Oklahoma (twice), No. 31 New Mexico, No. 35 Tulsa, No. 41 Arkansas, No. 47 SMU and No. 64 Rice. Most recently, the Pokes took out No. 27 Arizona State to move on to the Sweet 16. Oklahoma State has a 2-3 record against higher-ranked opponents, including upset wins against No. 18 Georgia Tech and No. 11 Vanderbilt.
ITA Attendance Race
The Cowgirls are ranked tenth in the ITA Attendance Race for their home matches during the month of March. With a total of 662 fans, the Pokes averaged 166 fans per match, which was the eighth highest during March. The Cowgirls are one of three Big 12 teams to crack the top 10, along with TCU and Texas Tech.
Oklahoma State ranks eighth in total attendance for the overall season and averages 153 fans (10th overall).
The ITA Attendance Race is a monthly program in which teams are recognized for getting fans in the stands. This exciting race offers schools a way to garner recognition and extra incentive to bolster support.
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Pluskota Joins the Coaching Staff
Oklahoma State Director of Tennis and women's head coach Chris Young announced the addition of Natalie Pluskota as a volunteer assistant coach for the Cowgirls.
Pluskota, a graduate from the University of Tennessee, was a four-time All-American, earning the doubles honor three times and the singles honor once. While a Lady Vol, she was ranked as high as No. 1 in doubles and No. 24 in singles in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings.
After graduating from Tennessee, Pluskota went on to play professionally and has won four ITF doubles titles with five more finals appearances. She reached a No. 157 world ranking in doubles and a No. 478 world ranking in singles.
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The 12th-ranked Oklahoma State women's tennis team has advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament for the first time since the women's field expanded to a 64-team draw in 1996. This will be the program's 12th appearance in the round of 16. The Cowgirls face fifth-seeded Florida on Friday at 4 p.m. at the Hurd Tennis Center in Waco, Texas. The winner will move on to the Elite 8.Â
Keep Up with the Tournament
Fans can keep up with championship action through live stats and video on baylorbears.com or by following @CowgirlTennis on Twitter for updates throughout the match.
In the ITA Rankings
The Cowgirls find themselves in the top 15 for the 15th week in a row at the No. 12-spot in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) rankings. Florida holds a No. 5 ranking. Â
Two Cowgirls are featured in the singles poll including sophomore All-American Viktoriya Lushkova at No. 17 and freshman Vladica Babic is ranked No. 99. Florida has five players ranked in singles. Leading the Gators is No. 3 Brooke Austin.
Lushkova and doubles partner Laurente, a transfer from the University of Miami, pair up as the nation's 12th-ranked doubles team. The Gators bring No. 6 Austin/Keegan and No. 71 Liang/Woolcock.
Last Time Out
The Cowgirls are fresh off an exciting weekend of winning as they defeated Boston U. in the first round of the NCAA tournament before notching a thrilling 4-3 win over No. 27 Arizona State in the second round on Sunday. The match came down to No. 17 Lushkova vs. No. 30 Desirae Krawczyk of ASU. Lushkova won the three-setter, sending OSU to the Sweet 16.Â
No. 12 Oklahoma State 4, No. 27 Arizona State 3
May 10, 2015 :: Stillwater, Okla. (Greenwood Tennis Center) :: NCAA Second Round
Doubles | Order of finish: 3,2,1
1. #26 Krawczyk/ Vlad (ASU) def. #12 Lushkova/ Laurente (OSU) 8-6
2. Adamovic/ Babic (OSU) def. #49 Jump/ Smith (ASU) 8-3
3. Osborne/ Panoho (ASU) def. Tur Mari/ Alvarez (OSU) 8-1
Singles | Order of finish: 4,3,6,2,5,1*
1. #17 Viktoriya Lushkova (OSU) def. #30 Desirae Krawczyk (ASU) 4-6, 6-2, 7-5
2. Stephanie Vlad (ASU) def. Katarina Adamovic (OSU) 6-2, 7-5
3. Kelsey Laurente (OSU) def. Kassidy Jump (ASU) 6-3, 6-1
4. #99 Vladica Babic (OSU) def. Joanna Smith (ASU) 6-1, 6-0
5. Ebony Panoho (ASU) def. Carla Tur Mari (OSU) 6-1, 7-6 (7-2)
6. Maria Alvarez (OSU) def. Gussie O'Sullivan (ASU) 6-2, 7-5
Becoming Regulars
The Cowgirls are becoming regulars to the NCAA tournament. OSU is making its fourth-straight appearance to the big dance for the first time since the 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991 seasons. This marks their 17th overall appearance.
Young, Steinbock earn ITA Central Region Coaching Awards
Oklahoma State women's tennis coach Chris Young was named the Intercollegiate Tennis Associations' Central Region Coach of the Year. Alongside him, the Cowgirl's assistant coach Courtney Steinbock was honored as the Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year. It was announced Tuesday. The coaching duo has seen the squad to incredible heights this season.
Young is receiving his second Central Region Coach of the Year title, as his first came in 2007 while he was at Wichita State.
Lushkova and Laurente Selected for NCAAs
Oklahoma State women's tennis players Viktoriya Lushkova and Kelsey Laurente have been selected to compete in this year's NCAA individual tennis championships, which will be held May 20-25.
Lushkova and Laurente will compete in a 32-team doubles draw, and Lushkova will also compete individually in a 64-player singles draw.
Receiving All-American status in 2014, Lushkova will make back-to-back NCAA singles appearances. The sophomore compiled a 10-3 record for the Cowgirls this spring, competing at the No. 1 spot.
Lushkova and Laurente, who went 8-6 as a duo, give the program its second qualifying doubles team since 2002. The last Cowgirl pair to earn a spot in the tournament was Malika Rose and Kanyapat Narattana in 2013.
Four Cowgirls Earn Big 12 Honors
Sophomore Viktoriya Lushkova was named Big 12 Conference Co-Player of the Year. She shares this honor with Ema Burgic from Baylor. Earning another annual award was Cowgirl Kelsey Laurente, who was named the Big 12's Newcomer of the Year.
Lushkova was also named to the All-Big 12 singles team for the second year in a row. She is joined by teammate Katarina Adamovic.
Two Cowgirl duos were named to the All-Big 12 doubles team. Lushkova and Laurente went 21-9 as a pair and Adamovic and Vladica Babic have compiled a 24-10 record, with seven wins coming in conference competition.
Shut Them Down
Oklahoma State has produced 15 shut outs this season. The Cowgirls have shut out the opponent in seven of their last nine matches, including a 4-0 shut out of the Boston University Terriers in the first round of the NCAA Championships.
The Greenwood Effect
The Cowgirls wrapped up a dominant home season, compiling a 13-1 record at the Greenwood Tennis Center. In addition to the magnificent home record, the Cowgirls have outscored their opponents at home, 62-9, surrendering only nine team points on the season. The Cowgirls had key home victories against Ole Miss, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Arizona State.
Road Killers
OSU has performed just as well on the road this season, stringing together a 5-1 record in true road matches and a 5-3 mark at neutral sites. The Cowgirls improved to 10-4 in matches away from the Greenwood Tennis Center after defeating Kansas at the Big 12 Championships in Waco, Texas.
New Highs
Oklahoma State's women's tennis squad jumped to the No. 8-spot earlier in the season in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's rankings, making it the highest ranking ever for the Cowgirl Tennis program. This week, the Cowgirls are enjoying their 15th-consecutive week in the top 15.
Two Cowgirls also set school records in singles and doubles rankings. Viktoriya Lushkova became the highest ranked singles player in program history when she earned a No. 10 ranking on Jan. 6. Lushkova and partner Kelsey Laurente also became the highest ranked doubles team in the program when they were tabbed as the No. 3 team on Feb. 10.
The Cowgirls wrapped up the regular season by recording their first 20-win season since 2001. The Cowgirls have compiled an 82.1 win percentage so far this season.
This season has brought other new experiences for the program as OSU made its first appearance in the ITA Indoor Team Championships after going undefeated at the ITA Kickoff Weekend event in January. They are also heading to the round of 16 at the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1996.
Alvarez, Tur Mari Get 50
Junior Maria Alvarez notched her 50th singles win earlier in the season, defeating Katelyn Jackson of Texas Tech in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3. She now holds a career record of 65-32 and is eighth in singles wins during the Big 12 era for the Cowgirls. She leads the squad in wins this season with 29.
Tur Mari picked up her 50th win in the first round of NCAAs over Boston U's Iris Lin, 6-1, 6-0. She holds a 50-25 overall singles record.
Success Against the Best
Oklahoma State has compiled a 23-5 record coming into the weekend, but the number in the loss column doesn't define the Cowgirls' season. Of the 28 matches the Cowgirls have played this season, 19 were against ranked opponents. The Cowgirls have surpassed tough tests against No. 24 Ole Miss, No. 29 Texas Tech, No. 31/32 Oklahoma (twice), No. 31 New Mexico, No. 35 Tulsa, No. 41 Arkansas, No. 47 SMU and No. 64 Rice. Most recently, the Pokes took out No. 27 Arizona State to move on to the Sweet 16. Oklahoma State has a 2-3 record against higher-ranked opponents, including upset wins against No. 18 Georgia Tech and No. 11 Vanderbilt.
ITA Attendance Race
The Cowgirls are ranked tenth in the ITA Attendance Race for their home matches during the month of March. With a total of 662 fans, the Pokes averaged 166 fans per match, which was the eighth highest during March. The Cowgirls are one of three Big 12 teams to crack the top 10, along with TCU and Texas Tech.
Oklahoma State ranks eighth in total attendance for the overall season and averages 153 fans (10th overall).
The ITA Attendance Race is a monthly program in which teams are recognized for getting fans in the stands. This exciting race offers schools a way to garner recognition and extra incentive to bolster support.
          Â
Pluskota Joins the Coaching Staff
Oklahoma State Director of Tennis and women's head coach Chris Young announced the addition of Natalie Pluskota as a volunteer assistant coach for the Cowgirls.
Pluskota, a graduate from the University of Tennessee, was a four-time All-American, earning the doubles honor three times and the singles honor once. While a Lady Vol, she was ranked as high as No. 1 in doubles and No. 24 in singles in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings.
After graduating from Tennessee, Pluskota went on to play professionally and has won four ITF doubles titles with five more finals appearances. She reached a No. 157 world ranking in doubles and a No. 478 world ranking in singles.
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Players Mentioned
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