Texas A&M Athletics recently made waves at the NCAA Division I Singles Championship. With two players advancing to the round of 32 for the second consecutive season, the team is showing remarkable strength. Mary Stoiana and Nicole Khirin kicked off their journey with impressive victories in the first round. Texas A&M's Tennis Stars Dominate the NCAA Singles Stage
Mary Stoiana's Dominant First Round
Stoiana showcased her prowess by bookending her match with five-game runs. She dispatched UCLA's Kate Fakih with ease, winning 6-1, 6-1. Her consistent play and ability to take control early on were on full display. This victory set the tone for her continued success at the championship.In the first set, Stoiana's aggressive serving and precise groundstrokes gave her a commanding lead. She broke Fakih's serve multiple times and never looked back. In the second set, she maintained her momentum and sealed the win without much trouble. Her performance demonstrated why she is ranked No. 1 and is a force to be reckoned with.Nicole Khirin's Gritty Comeback
Khirin's path to the round of 32 was far from easy. She faced a tough opponent in No. 38 Shavit Kimchi of Duke. After dropping a 2-0 advantage and losing the last three games of the first set, Khirin showed incredible resilience.In the second set, she stormed out to a 5-0 lead, seemingly in control. However, Kimchi fought back and evened the score at 4-4. Khirin, undeterred, claimed deuce points in the next two games and eventually moved on to the next round. Her ability to stay focused and fight through adversity is a testament to her character and skill.Daria Smetannikov's Tough Battle
Daria Smetannikov had a grueling three-set match against No. 23 Luciana Perry of Ohio State. She fell behind early in the first set 2-0 but managed to break Perry's serve three straight times to take the lead. Unfortunately, she couldn't hold on in the second set and found herself down 3-0.In the decisive set, Smetannikov showed her fighting spirit by claiming a 40-all point and taking a 1-0 lead. But Perry fought back and won the next four games to claim a 4-1 advantage. Smetannikov's performance demonstrated her tenacity and determination, even in the face of a tough opponent.Upcoming Matches and School History
Next up for Stoiana is a Wednesday match against No. 55 Piper Charney of Michigan at 10:30 a.m. Khirin will battle No. 70 Sabine Rutlauka of Penn in a 12:30 p.m. contest.In 2024, the Aggies made history by having three players qualify for the NCAA Division I Singles Championship. Now, they aim to put two players in the round of 16 for the first time in school annals. This is a significant goal for the team and one that they are determined to achieve.The Texas A&M women's tennis team's performance at the NCAA Singles Championship is a testament to their hard work and dedication. With these talented players leading the way, the future looks bright for the team.
