Sooners Show Improvement on Second Day in N.C.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Oklahoma women's tennis concluded the second day of the Wolfpack Invitational Saturday at North Carolina State with a combined five victories, highlighted by singles wins by four different players.

The Sooners found success in singles versus Princeton as Lily Miyazaki carried over her strong play from Friday. by picking up another win, topping the Tigers' Steffenson, 7-5, 6-1. On court two, Serena Nash defeating Princeton's Caroline Joyce in another 7-5, 6-1 decision.

"I was very impressed with how Serena bounced back today," Cohen said. "She earned her first singles win as a Sooner and I am proud of how she changed her focus to her overall growth."

The next win came as Mimi Fotopoulos beat Pollner, 6-2, 7-6 (4). Junior Simran Sethi pushed Nicole Kalhorn to three sets, winning 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.

"In singles, I was impressed with our competitiveness today," Cohen said. "We played with heart on most courts and fought for each point."

Oklahoma dropped the next two singles matchups. Brigante fell to Tiffany Chen, 6-1, 6-2 while Princeton's Clare McKeen bested Julie Byrne, 6-4, 6-4. In extra matches, Stripp lost to NC State's Reami, 6-0, 6-4, and Withrow retired in the second set against Ole Miss' Cameron Kriscunas.

The Sooners' No. 1 doubles tandem of junior Miyazaki and Byrne started the day with a victory, defeating NC State's Martina Frantove and Tayla Stenta, 6-3.

"In doubles today, we executed tactically smart tennis at the number one spot, but we didn't have the energy we needed at two and three doubles," OU head coach Audra Cohen said. "We learned we have to bring energy on every court and jump on the opportunities quickly."

The Sooners conclude their road trip with singles against Ole Miss Sunday at 8 a.m. CT.