Hurricanes Sweep Day Three of Duke Fab Four
CARY, N.C. –The University of Miami women’s tennis team finished the Duke Fab Four in perfect fashion, winning all four singles matches on the day. Sophomore Kelsey Laurente remained undefeated for the fall season en route to the blue singles championship.
“We improved this weekend,” head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews said. “We learned to compete a little more independently and showed some great things.”
54th-ranked Laurente kept her fall record unblemished on Sunday as she was crowned champion of the blue women’s singles bracket. Facing 33rd-ranked Whitney Kay of North Carolina in the finals, Laurente prevailed in straight sets, 7-5 and 6-4.
“Laurente is showing that she’s ready to make a statement,” Yaroshuk-Tews added. “Her focus was incredible, and with continued preparation on a daily basis kept at a high level, Kelsey can do some pretty special things in collegiate tennis.”
Rattling off her third consecutive win was junior Monique Albuquerque. In the consolation final of the white singles bracket, Albuquerque lost the opening set to Danielle Spielmann of Alabama, but battled back to win the next two by scores of 6-3 and 6-2.
“I’m really fired up with Monique’s progression,” Yaroshuk-Tews said. “We still need to press, but what a great beginning to the season.”
No. 52 Stephanie Wagner defeated Ole Miss’ Erin Stephens in the third place match of the black singles bracket. Coming off of a loss in the semifinals, Wagner showed great resiliency—winning in straight sets, 6-2, and 6-1.
“Wagner is one of the top competitors in the game,” Yaroshuk-Tews said. “Once she makes a decision to allow her physical strengths to be used as assets, nothing will stop her.”
69th-ranked Clementina Riobueno won her final match of the tournament, beating Furman’s Blair Martin in two sets, 6-1 and 6-1.
The Hurricanes will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 28 when they travel to the ITA Women’s All-American Championships in Pacific Palisades, Calif.
Today’s Results
#54 Kelsey Laurente (Miami) def. #33 Whitney Kay (North Carolina) 7-5, 6-4
Monique Albuquerque (Miami) def. Danielle Spielmann (Alabama) 1-6, 6-3, 6-2
#52 Stephanie Wagner (Miami) def. Erin Stephens (Ole Miss) 6-2, 6-1
#69 Clementina Riobueno (Miami) def. Blair Martin (Furman) 6-1, 6-1
