The Duke women's tennis team made a significant mark at the NCAA Doubles Championship in Waco, Texas. Irina Balus and Ellie Coleman showcased their skills as they faced tough opponents and advanced to the round of 16. Their debut was filled with ups and downs, but they showed great determination and resilience.

Witness the Duke Women's Tennis Team's Championship Triumph

First Set Struggles and Comebacks

In the first set, the Duke tandem opened strong with a 4-1 lead. However, the Lady Vols fought back and won three consecutive games to tie the score at 4-4. The Blue Devils regained the lead at 5-4 but had three set points in the next game. Unfortunately, they dropped it, and the Lady Vols took the first set, 7-5. This setback showed the team's ability to handle pressure and come back from a deficit.

It was a tough battle in the first set, but the Duke players never gave up. Their determination to win was evident as they fought tooth and nail to regain the lead. However, sometimes in tennis, things don't go your way, and the Lady Vols were able to capitalize on their opportunities.

Second Set Resilience

For the second straight set, Duke opened with a 3-1 lead. Once again, Tennessee came back to even the score at 3-3. But the Balus and Coleman duo held serve and broke the Lady Vols to win the second set, 6-4. This showed their ability to stay focused and make the necessary adjustments to turn the tide in their favor.

The second set was a testament to the team's resilience. They faced adversity again but were able to overcome it and gain the upper hand. This win gave them momentum going into the tiebreaker.

Tiebreaker Thrill

Tennessee led, 2-1, early in the tiebreaker. But Balus and Coleman won three straight points to go ahead, 4-2. From there, they never trailed and eventually took the match with a 10-6 victory in the third set. This was a thrilling moment for the team, as they showed their ability to close out a match when it mattered most.

The tiebreaker was a nail-biter, but the Duke players remained calm and composed. Their strategic play and excellent execution allowed them to pull ahead and secure the victory. It was a moment of pride for the team and a testament to their hard work and dedication.

Next Opponent and Season Record

Balus and Coleman moved to 8-1 on the season and will next face 20th-ranked Lily Fairclough and Grace Piper of Southern California on Thursday. This is a new challenge for the team, and they will need to bring their A-game to advance further in the tournament.

The team's record this season is a testament to their hard work and talent. They have been performing well and are looking to continue their success in the upcoming matches. With a tough opponent ahead, they will need to be at their best.

Singles Setback

In the round of 32 of singles, Blue Devil senior Emma Jackson had her run come to an end with a 6-3, 6-3 setback to 12th-ranked Julia Fliegner of Michigan. Jackson showed great fight in the first game, but Fliegner quickly took control and won four straight games. Jackson fought back and cut into the lead, 3-4, but Fliegner won the final two games to take the first set. In the second set, Fliegner never trailed and took the match, 6-3.

Emma Jackson's performance in the singles match was a disappointment, but she showed great sportsmanship and determination. She gave it her all and fought until the end, even though the outcome didn't go her way. It's important to learn from these experiences and come back stronger.

Streaming and Social Media

All matches will be streamed on ESPN+ with Cracked Racquets doing the broadcasts. To stay up to date with Blue Devils women's tennis, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook by searching “DukeWTEN”. This allows fans to stay connected and support the team from afar.

Streaming the matches on ESPN+ ensures that fans can watch the action live, no matter where they are. And following the team on social media gives fans a chance to interact with the players and get behind them. It's a great way to stay involved in the team's journey.

Duke Centennial Celebration

In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride, and strengthen bonds and partnerships. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu.

The Duke Centennial is a significant event that will bring the university together and celebrate its rich history. It's a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future with a renewed sense of purpose and pride.