Rychagova falls short of main draw

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. – Kansas sophomore Anastasia Rychagova came so close to advancing to the prestigious main singles draw of the 2016 Riviera ITA Women’s All-American Championship Wednesday, but fell short in the end and was eliminated from the event.
 
In the final round of the qualifying rounds, Rychagova dropped a tough battle against Sara Daavettila of North Carolina, the nation’s top-rated freshman, according to the ITA rankings., . Rychagova had the match point after winning the first set,7-6, and leading 5-4 at deuce. In the third set, she rebounded with an early 3-0 lead, but Daavetila was able to rally back for the 6-7, 7-5, 6-3 win.
 
“I am especially proud of Nas (Rychagova) as she was absolutely relentless,” said KU assistant coach Caroline Lilley. “She represented herself and team exceptionally well and she will learn from (this) and move forward with her head held high.”
 
Sophomores Nina Khmelnitckaia and Janet Koch fell short in their doubles consolation match against Carol Zi Yang and Aiwen Zhu of UNLV, 8-5.
 
“We finished this tournament a lot better than we started it,” said Lilley.  “That is exactly where we want to be. We carried ourselves like professionals and competed incredibly well. I am glad we faced people who could make us uncomfortable as we know the only way we can continue to grow and develop is if we face adversity.”
 
The Jayhawks will return to action at the ITA Regional Championship which begins on October 13.
 
Wednesday Results
Singles
Sara Daavettila (UNC) def. Anastasia Rychagova (KU), 6-7, 7-5, 6-3
 
Doubles
Yang/Zhu (UNLV) def. Khmelnitckaia/Koch (KU), 8-5
 
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