Women's Tennis Shines in Dick Vitale Intercollegiate Clay Court Classic

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. - App State women's tennis shined at the Dick Vitale Intercollegiate Clay Court Classic in Lakewood Ranch Fla.

App State was in a field with seven teams that participated in the NCAA Tournament, facing Florida, Nebraska, Oklahoma St. Boston College, Virginia Tech, Auburn and Michigan, Central Florida and South Florida.

Whether in singles or doubles, the trio of Sandra Anglesjö, Cassie McLay and María José Zacarias made an appearance in the quarterfinal round with all of their victories against student-athletes from Power Five programs. 

Cassie McLay highlighted the weekend, advancing to the Final Four of the singles draw. The freshman posted a first-round win over Boston College's Loren Haukova in straight sets, 6-0, 6-1 before defeating Chloe Kuckleman (Nebraska) a come-from-behind defeat after falling in the first set. She won the final two frames of the match, 1-6, 7-6 (4), 1-0 (8). The Boca Raton, Fla., native advanced to the semifinals following her 6-3, 2-6, 1-0(4) triumph over the fifth seed in Georgie Axon of Auburn. McLay fell in the semifinals to Marcelina Podlinksa, the No. 1 seed from Oklahoma, 6-2, 6-3. 

Anglesjö notched a pair of wins, including a victory over the seventh seed on the first day, downing Nicole Hammond of Michigan in a sweep, 7-6(5), 6-2. In the following round, Anglesjö defeated Maria Ross (Boston College) after suffering a first-set loss. She came back to win the final two sets, 7-5 (1),1-0(7). The junior fell to the second seed Marlee Zein, 6-3, 6-0. 

Both Anglesjö and McLay each faced the top two seeds in the singles bracket, who are in the championship round. 

In doubles, McLay and Zacarias advanced to the quarterfinal round after an 8-5 win over Madeline Meredith / Georgie Axon of Auburn. The duo fell to Chloe Kuckelman / Ellie Kuckelman in the next round, 8-3. 

Zacarias competed in the singles consolation draw but fell in a three-set battle to Anca Craciun, 6-1, 3-6, 1-0(5).