Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Main Draw All American
Kucerkova/Petukhova earn spot in finals at ITA All-American
10/4/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Oct. 4, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - The Bulldog duo of Renata Kucerkova and Anastasia Petukhova continued their run through the doubles bracket of the ITA All-American Championship. The No. 8 doubles team advanced to the Sunday's final, and look to bring home a championship from one of the most prestigious collegiate tennis tournaments.
Kucerkova/Petukhova faced off against No. 15 Vallverdu/Kissell of Miami in the semifinals. The Fresno State teammates continued their strong play with a straight set victory, 6-3, 6-2.
"Anastasia and Renata are playing great together early on in the season," Head Coach Simon Thibodeau said. "Sunday could turn out to be a special day for Fresno State Tennis."
The semifinal win sets up a showdown between Kucerkova/Petukhova and No. 30 Falconi/Mcdowell in the championship match. Falconi/Mcdowell defeated Melanie Gloria and Tinesta Rowe earlier in the tournament.
Gloria continued play in singles, competing in the consolation bracket. Gloria battled for a berth in the finals of the consolation bracket, but Amanda Fink of USC stood in her way. Fink took the match 5-7, 6-3, 6-1, knocking Gloria out of the tournament.
"Melanie played quality matches, overall it was a good tournament for her," Thibodeau said. "We know exactly what we need to work on to make her senior season a success."
Kucerkova/Petukhova will compete for the championship at 12:00 p.m. PST.
The match can be followed live at itatennis.com.
"Join the State - Fresno State"- Check gobulldogs.com for updates on the ITA All-American championship doubles match.
