Wildcats Cruise Through First Round of NCAA Championship

Live Scoring | First & Second Rounds Tournament Central  | Tournament BracketANN ARBOR, Mich. – The No. 20 Kentucky women’s tennis team advanced to the Round of 32 of the NCAA Championship on Friday morning, claiming a 4-1 clinch victory over No. 67 Xavier.  Kentucky advances to 18-9 on the season, while Xavier ends its season at 20-6.  The Wildcats got out to a quick start by securing the opening point with two victories in doubles action.  The No. 1-ranked pairing in the nation of Mami Adachi and Aldila Sutjiadi handily defeated the Musketeers’ top tandem of Sydney Liggins and Anna Ismail, winning in a 6-2 decision.  Nadia Ravita and Mikulskytė secured the opening point for the Wildcats by taking down Cristina di Lorenzo and Alex Brinkder in No. 2 doubles, 6-4.Kentucky extended its lead to 2-0 when Akvilė Paražinkskaitė had a straight-set victory in No. 5 singles, defeating Sophia Abelson in matching 6-1 sets.  The Musketeers earned their lone point of the match in No. 3 singles, when Ismail defeated Ravita, 6-1, 6-2.The final two points went to the Wildcats in No. 4 and 6 singles.  First, Adachi claimed a straight 6-2, 6-2 win over Brinker to put the team at a 3-1 advantage.  Kirsten Lewis delivered the final blow in No. 6 singles, taking the opening set against Lauren Ghidotti in a 6-4 decision before clinching her match and the team’s victory with a 6-2 second set.Kentucky will play host team No. 10 Michigan tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m.  The Wolverines are coming off a 4-0 win over Ball State.  No. 22 Kentucky 4, No.67 Xavier 1Michigan Tennis Center – Ann Arbor, Mich.May 13, 2016 Singles (Order of Finish:  5, 3, 4, 6*)1.  No. 29 Aldila Sutjiadi (UK) vs. Sydney Liggins (XU) 6-0, 3-6, 4-2 abandoned2.  Cristina di Lorenzo (XU) vs. Justina Mikulskytė (UK) 7-5, 5-4 abandoned3.  Amina Ismail (XU) def. Nadia Ravita (UK) 6-1, 6-24.  Mami Adachi (UK) def. Alex Brinker (XU) 6-2, 6-25.  Akvilė Paražinskaitė (UK) def. Sophia Abelson (XU) 6-1, 6-16.  Kirsten Lewis (UK) def. Lauren Ghidotti (XU) 6-4, 6-2 Doubles (Order of Finish:  1,2*)1.  No. 1 Mami Adachi/Aldila Sutjiadi (UK) def. Sydney Liggins/Anna Ismail (XU) 6-22.  Nadia Ravita/Justina Mikulskytė (UK) def. Cristina di Lorenzo/Alex Brinker (XU) 6-43.  Akvilė Paražinskaitė/Kirsten Lewis (UK) vs. Sophia Abelson/Lauren Ghidotti (XU) 4-4, abandoned Visit UKathletics.com for the most up-to-date information on the Kentucky women’s tennis team and all 22 varsity sports. For additional info, notes, and behind-the-scenes updates, follow the team on Twitter at @UKWomensTennis and on Facebook.