Kansas sweeps day one at ITA Regionals

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas women’s tennis highlighted the day with a doubles sweep in the Round of 64 at the ITA Central Regional Championships in Norman, Oklahoma Friday. The Jayhawks then capped the day off with five wins on the singles court advancing to the Round of 32 on Saturday.

"Today was a solid day. I don’t think it was our best tennis, but we found ways to work through tough situations on most of the courts. We played solid doubles today and we look forward to the opportunity to compete again tomorrow."

Todd Chapman

KU started Friday morning with Round of 64 play. Sixth seed, Maria Toran Ribes and Malkia Ngounoue dominated Nebraska-Omaha with an 8-2 decision.

Sonia Smagina and Roxana Manu, who is seeded 10th, paired up for an 8-1 triumph over Saint Louis University, while Luniuska Delgado and Julia Deming defeated a duo from Creighton, 8-3.

The Jayhawks tallied five singles victories in the Round of 64 Friday afternoon. Manu claimed a three-set victory (0-6, 6-3, 6-2) over Nebraska. Karvouni, the No. 21 singles seed in the tourney, nabbed a 6-3, 6-1 win over Central Arkansas. Ngounoue chimed in with a two-setter, 6-2, 6-3. Delgado garnered KU’s fourth singles win of the day with another three-set battle (6-3,4-6, 6-2). Smagina, the No. 7 seed, posted a convincing 6-3, 6-0 victory against Iowa.

Ribes and Deming both dropped their singles matches; However, Deming played in a back draw where she grabbed a 6-3, 6-4 win versus Nebraska.

Round of 32 and 16 doubles and Round of 32 singles play is slated to begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, with the championship matches scheduled for Tuesday.

All draws will be posted on the tournament website, and results will be updated at the conclusion of each match.