Fresno State Athletics
Kucerkova Alive in ITA All-American Pre-Qualifier
9/28/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Sept. 28, 2008
FRESNO, Calif.- - Fresno State senior Tinesta Rowe and junior Renata Kucerkova began play at the pre-qualifying rounds of the ITA All-American Championships.
Kucerkova started the day with a match against No. 92 Laurianne Henry of Clemson. Kucerkova prevailed in straight sets 6-3, 7-5 to advance to the next round.
In the round of 32 Kucerkova was matched up against Caroline Larsson of Texas. Kucerkova continued to play well as she cruised to a victory 6-1, 6-1 and moved one step closer to the main draw of the ITA All-American Championships.
"I'm proud of Renata for the way she played, coming from behind and beating a ranked opponent in her first match set the tone for her second match," Assistant Coach Laura Gordon said. "In her second set, she was all business, and is very excited to move on in the tournament."
Rowe's first match of the day came against Molly Scott of Dartmouth. After dropping the first set, Rowe fought back and came up with a three set victory 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.
After a come from behind victory in her first match, Rowe was unable to pick up a win in her second match of the day. Nadja Gilchrist of Georgia took the match 6-2, 6-1.
"Tinesta showed a lot of maturity in her first match, after being down a set, she fought back to get the victory," said Gordon. "It was good for her to gain experience and face tough competition early on in the season."
Kucerkova will resume singles play Sunday against Biance Eichkorn of Miami.
Rowe will join teammate Melanie Gloria in the main draw of the doubles tournament beginning Oct. 2. Gloria/Rowe earned a preseason No. 1 ranking in doubles. Kucerkova will also be featured in the main draw of the tournament with teammate Anastasia Petukhova. Petukhova/Kucerkova begin the season No. 8 in the nation in doubles.
ITA All-American Prequalifier 1st round
No. 86 Tinesta Rowe (FS) Molly Scott (DART) 4-6, 6-1, 6-4
Renata Kucerkova (FS) def. No. 92 Laurianne Henry (CLEM) 6-3, 7-5
ITA All-American Prequalifer 2nd round
Renata Kucerkova (FS) def. Caroline Larsson (TX) 6-1 6-1
Nadja Gilchrist (UGA) def. No. 86 Tinesta Rowe (FS) 6-2, 6-1
Join the State - Fresno State! Melanie Gloria and Anastasia Petukhova will join teammates Renata Kucerkova and Tinesta Rowe in Pacific Palisades, Calif. for the ITA All-American Tournament. The main draw begins Oct. 2.
