BRADENTON, Fla. - App State University women's tennis freshman
María José Zacarias and
Teodora Sevo recorded some big wins at the Lakewood Ranch Intercollegiate Court Classic hosted by ESPN personality Dick Vitale.
Both Zacarias and Sevo represented the Mountaineers well in the final fall tournament of the season. With teams like Florida, Oklahoma State, Clemson, Illinois, South Florida, Texas, TCU, Virginia Tech and Ohio State, the pair took advantage of an excellent opportunity to face some of the best talent from across the country.
"I'm really happy the way María and Teodora competed this weekend," head coach
Blake Mosley said. "With two great wins over players from a Big 12 powerhouse in TCU, Maria having set points against the ITA No. 12 ranked player and eventual tournament winner from the defending national champions (UF), I think we were able to show we belong."
The two first-year Mountaineers picked up victories in the Round of 32 with Sevo recording an impressive 7-6 (3), 6-3 triumph over TCU's Alexis Pereira. Zacarias also captured a solid win over a TCU opponent in straight sets over Stevie Kennedy (6-2, 6-2). Both were big wins over Power Five opponents as Pereira boasts NCAA Tournament experience and Kennedy came into this season as the No. 42 overall recruit coming out of high school.
In the round of 16, Sevo fell to Ashley Bongart of Liberty in a valiant effort in straight sets, 7-5, 6-1. Zacarias faced the tournament's No. 1 overall seed in Josie Kuhlman (Florida), who was a First-Team All-SEC selection last season. She gave Kuhlman all she could handle as she had set points in the second frame, but would fall in the tiebreaker.
"Thanks to Chris Marquez, Paul Lederman and the crew at Lakewood Ranch for putting on such a great tournament," Mosley said. Thanks to Dick Vitale for hosting a great player's party and our host family, Peter and Lisa Cecacci for their hospitality. We're looking forward to coming back next year!"
The Apps will have the rest of the offseason to prepare for the spring schedule.
