The Alabama women’s tennis team blanked UAB, 7-0, and Belmont, 7-0, in back-to-back matches to officially begin the 2019 season on Sunday at the Roberta Alison Baumgardener Tennis Facility.
In the morning match against UAB (0-1), Alabama took the early 1-0 lead after winning the doubles point. Senior Andie Daniell and sophomore Moka Ito cruised past Marlene Herrmann and Alex Shchipakina, 6-0, on court one, while juniors Kimberley Gintrand and Ann Selim topped Sophie Dodds and Hana Sisirak, 6-0, on court three.
In singles, the Crimson Tide captured all six matches to shutout UAB, 7-0. No. 41 Daniell, Alba Cortina-Pou, and Selim breezed past their opponents with ease to give the Tide a 3-0 lead. Not long after Gintrand handled Hana Sisirak, 6-1, 6-0, junior Jacqueline Pelletier and Ito both finished 6-4, 6-4.
Later in the afternoon against Belmont (0-2), Alabama jumped out to a 1-0 lead thanks to two great performances in doubles play. Daniell and Ito took down Drew Hawkins and Peyton Lee, 6-0, while Selim and Gintrand defeated Sarah Brackin and Terra Sheldon, 6-1.
In singles play, the Crimson Tide bested seven matches to defeat the Bruins for the 2nd time in program history. Gintrand, Selim, Ito, and Daniell moved past the Bruins in straight sets. Junior Luca Fabian battled till the end downing Terra Sheldon 6-1, 7-6(3), and Pelletier finished the sweep in fashion over Erin Allen, 7-5, 6-2.
Up next, the Crimson Tide will host another pair of matches on Saturday, Jan. 26. Alabama is set to face Mercer at 10 a.m. and will compete against Alabama A&M at 4 p.m. at the Roberta Alison Baumgardner Tennis Facility.
