Women's Tennis Concludes Season

April 24, 2008

COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- The No. 8-seeded University of Oklahoma women's tennis team (11-12, 4-8) ended its season Thursday, April 24, in the first round of the Big 12 Championships. The No. 8 seeded Sooners fell 4-1 to No. 9 Texas Tech University at the George P. Mitchell Tennis Center at Texas A&M.

"It was a very disappointing loss," OU head coach Mark Johnson said. "We had some chances, but they just outplayed us. Texas Tech had a very strong match."

In doubles action, Oklahoma took the win at the No. 2 spot as senior Christi Baxley and freshman Maria Kalashnikova defeated TTU's Brenna Jackson and Kerryn Potgieter 8-3. Tech rebounded with wins at the No. 1 and 3 positions to claim the doubles point and take an early 1-0 lead.

The Lady Raiders advanced to 2-0 with a quick victory over senior Chelsea Orr at the No. 2 singles position. Orr fell 6-1, 6-1 to TTU's Janet Durham.

Freshman standout Ana-Maria Constantinescu, currently ranked 111th, was next off the court and the first to put OU on the board. The Romania native defeated Samantha van der Drift 6-0, 6-3, making the score 2-1.

"Ana played very well," Johnson said. "She had a really strong match. I'm pleased with how well she played this season and I am excited about her future."

"The difference in our last match versus OU (a 5-2 loss in Lubbock) was a disappointed coach and a long talk with the team the following day," TTU head coach Cari Groce said. "We have a team that is very motivated, works very hard and wants to please their coach and please Texas Tech."

Texas Tech earned a 3-1 edge when Potgieter defeated OU's Christi Baxley 6-4, 6-4 at the No. 5 line.

TTU sealed the victory and a spot in the quarterfinals with a 7-5, 7-5 win at the No. 6 line.

"I thought our girls gave a good effort," Johnson said. "TTU just played better. I am pleased though with how our girls worked."

For updates on women's tennis check SoonerSports.com.

Oklahoma 1, Texas Tech 4
Doubles
1. Durham / van der Drift (TTU) def. Constantinescu / Orr (OU), 8-6
2. Baxley / Kalashnikova (OU) def. Jackson / Potgieter (TTU), 8-3
3. Garland / Templeton (TTU) def. Cox / Antakova (OU), 8-2

Singles
1. Ana-Maria Constantinescu (OU) def. Samantha van der Drift (TTU), 6-0, 6-3
2. Janet Durham (TTU) def. Chelsea Orr (OU), 6-1, 6-1
3. Maria Kalashnikova (OU) v. Kelsey Garland (TTU), Unfinished
4. Elena Antakova (OU) v. Simone Templeton (TTU), Unfinished
5. Kerryn Potgieter (TTU) def. Christi Baxley (OU), 6-4, 6-4
6. Brenna Jackson (TTU) def. Tara Eckel (OU), 7-5, 7-5

Season Stats

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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