Hailey
The Emporia State University Women’s Tennis Team made an impressive start at the Washburn Invitational held in Topeka, Kansas. On Friday, the Hornets showed their strength by winning 8 matches in singles play and 9 matches overall.
Emporia State: This outstanding performance put them in a strong position for the rest of the tournament. Two players reached the championship finals, while three others qualified for the consolation finals, proving the depth and talent within the team.
Erin Cahill Leads the Way
Freshman Erin Cahill made a big impact in her first invitational. She played with confidence and determination, winning both of her matches on Friday.
- In her first match, she defeated Rosaline Akombo of Seward County CC with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (7-2).
- In the second round, she dominated Mila Larrieu of Missouri Western, winning 6-3, 6-0.
With these two straight wins, Cahill advanced to the Purple Draw championship match, showing that she is a rising star for the Hornets.
Ana Fatjo Coll Shows Fighting Spirit
Another freshman, Ana Fatjo Coll, proved her toughness on the court with two hard-fought three-set victories.
- She first battled against Olivia McGruder of Southwest Baptist, winning 6-2, 0-6, 1-0 (10-5).
- In her second match, she overcame Salma Achik of Seward County CC with scores of 4-6, 6-4, 1-0 (10-5).
Both matches tested her mental strength, but she stayed focused and advanced to the Orange Draw championship finals. Her strong start shows she has the skills and determination to compete at the top level.
Strong Efforts in Consolation Finals
The Hornets also had several players who bounced back after losing their first matches. Yuliya Klimova, Victoria Debono, Sheriden Wichman, and Giulia Russu each regrouped and won their second matches.
Their victories earned them spots in the consolation finals, giving them another chance to shine on Saturday.
These results highlight how the team is not just relying on a few stars. Every player is contributing, making Emporia State a strong all-around team.
Doubles Matches: A Key Victory
In doubles action, the Hornets had a mixed day. The highlight came when Ana Fatjo Coll and Giulia Russu teamed up for a strong win against Barbara Mattar and Alyse Zimmerman of Pratt CC, finishing 8-5.
While other doubles pairs, including Klimova/Debono and Wichman/Cahill, fought hard, they narrowly lost their matches. Still, the teamwork and coordination shown by Fatjo Coll and Russu proved the Hornets can also make an impact in doubles play.
Full Match Results
Here’s a summary of the results from Friday:
Singles Highlights
| Match | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Erin Cahill vs Rosaline Akombo | Erin Cahill | 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) |
| Erin Cahill vs Mila Larrieu | Erin Cahill | 6-3, 6-0 |
| Ana Fatjo Coll vs Olivia McGruder | Ana Fatjo Coll | 6-2, 0-6, 1-0 (10-5) |
| Ana Fatjo Coll vs Salma Achik | Ana Fatjo Coll | 4-6, 6-4, 1-0 (10-5) |
| Victoria Debono vs Michelle Kostadinova | Victoria Debono | 6-2, 6-3 |
| Yuliya Klimova vs Jevrosima Mitic | Yuliya Klimova | 4-0, 4-5 (7-4), 1-0 (10-5) |
| Sheriden Wichman vs Defne Ursane | Sheriden Wichman | 4-2, 5-3 |
| Giulia Russu vs Ilse Smaalders | Giulia Russu | Injury Withdrawal |
Doubles Highlights
| Match | Winners | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Fatjo Coll/Russu vs Mattar/Zimmerman | Fatjo Coll/Russu | 8-5 |
| Klimova/Debono vs Nonaka/Kostadinova | Opponents | 8-6 |
| Wichman/Cahill vs Zotti/Ursane | Opponents | 8-6 |
What’s Coming Up Next
The Washburn Invitational continues on Saturday.
- Doubles play will begin at 9:00 a.m.
- Singles play will start at 10:15 a.m.
With two Hornets in the championship matches and three more in the consolation finals, Saturday promises to be an exciting day for Emporia State.
The Emporia State Women’s Tennis Team has proven they are ready to compete at a high level. With Erin Cahill and Ana Fatjo Coll reaching the finals and several others pushing forward in consolation rounds, the Hornets showed both skill and determination.
Their strong teamwork and individual performances at the Washburn Invitational signal a bright future ahead. Fans should keep an eye on this team as they continue to grow and chase more victories this season.