The LSU women’s tennis team battled valiantly against No. 12 Vanderbilt, but ultimately were defeated 7-0.
The Tigers competed well against their highest ranked opponent of the season, taking two of matches into three sets.
Senior Kaitlin Burns had her best match of the season against Vanderbilt’s Lauren Mira. Burns took Mira into three sets after losing the first set 1-6, she then fought back to take the second set 6-3. Burns eventually lost to Mira 2-6 in a tough third set.
“It isn’t fun to lose, but we are getting better,” said LSU coach Julia Sell. “They battled and they showed a lot of heart. That’s what it’s all about, I’m a proud coach tonight.”
Senior Keri Frankenberger received her first start of the dual-match season, but struggled to a 1-6, 1-6 defeat against Vanderbilt’s Ashleigh Antal.
“Keri has earned her spot, she’s been doing well in practice,” Sell said. “She’s been winning a lot of practice matches, and she played a tough opponent today on court five. Unfortunately her injuries kind of slowed her up, but she deserved to play today.”
Senior Ebie Wilson was forced to retire in her third set after succumbing to Planter Fasciitis. Wilson has been suffering from the injury since last season.
“She’s the healthiest she’s ever been but with her injury, it’s a nagging pain,” Sell said. “We have a lot more season to play so we’re trying to save her as much as possible once the point is decided.”
The Tigers will conclude play this weekend on Sunday when they take on Kentucky at 1:00 P.M. in the W.T. “Dub” Robinson Stadium.
