Van Zyl Clinchs and Tigers Win in First Match of ITA Kickoff Weekend

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Tigers come away with a massive 4-3 win against the Iowa Hawkeyes, keeping their undefeated season record going. 

“What a resilient effort from our team today,” Head Coach Boomer Saia said. “Many of our athletes stepped up in big moments, and our fight in multiple 3rd sets was inspiring. We are excited to come out and get the opportunity to play for a spot at national indoors tomorrow!”

In doubles, Eleni Louka and Jenna Thompson secured the first win of the day over Chelsea Bluestein and Daianne Hayashida in an easy 6-1 duel. Cristina Mayorova and Leigh Van Zyl won the doubles point for the Tigers by defeating Marisa Schmidt and Nikita Vishwase 6-4.

Heading into doubles, Clemson was up 1-0 over the Hawkeyes. 

Alina Tsyurpalevych opened up singles play by defeating Nikita Vishwase 6-1, 7-5 on court 4. On court three, Thompson came in clutch to defeat Schmidt 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (5) and keep the Tigers in the match 3-3. 

With losses from Mayorova, Hatton, and Louka, the Hawkeyes came back and tied with the Tigers 3-3.

Van Zyl came in clutch tonight as she clinched on court 6 for the first time in her career. She fought hard in the first set, defeating Matthews 7-6. Van Zyl dropped the second set 2-6. It all came down to the last set, where Van Zyl persevered through and ultimately won her last match 6-4 and securing the Tiger’s fourth win on the season. 

Doubles

1. Thompson/Louka (CU) def. Chelsea Bluestein/Daianne Hayashida (IU), 6-1
2. Mayorova/Van Zyl (CU) def. Marisa Schmidt/Nikita Vishwase (IU), 6-4 
3. Pia Kranholdt/Barbora Pokorna (IU) def. Hatton/Tsyurpalevych (CU), 6-4

Order of Finish: 1, 3, 2

Singles

1. #109 Daianne Hayashida (IU) def. Eleni Louka (CU), 6-2, 6-4
2. Chelsea Bluestein (IU) def. Christina Mayorova (CU), 7-5, 2-6, 7-6
3. Jenna Thompson (CU) def. Marisa Schmidt (IU), 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(5)
4. Alina Tsyurpalevych (CU) def. Nikita Vishwase (IU), 6-1, 7-5
5. Barbora Pokorna (IU) def. Sophia Hatton (CU), 6-2, 6-4, 
6. Leigh Van Zyl (CU) def. Pia Kranholdt (IU), 7-6, 2-6, 6-4

Order of Finish: 4, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6

Up next, the Tigers are set to play no. 7 NC State tomorrow at 3 p.m. at the J.W. Isenhour Tennis Center in Raleigh, N.C. 

You can watch tomorrow’s match here: https://bit.ly/3ScvAe9

You can view live scoring for tomorrow’s match here: https://bit.ly/428CHZz