MORGANTOWN, W.V. - The Penn State women's tennis team found success in day 1 of the Martha Thorn Invitational hosted by West Virginia on Friday, October 15. The quarterfinals of singles play, as well as the semifinals of doubles play is set for Saturday, October. 16.
Penn State collected eight match wins on the first day of competition.
Singles
The Nittany Lions started the weekend off strong in singles matches. Sofiya Chekhlystova defeated Daria Afanaseyva of James Madison University. Chekhlystova fought hard in the first set, winning the first set 7-6, then followed in the second set by controlling the match leading to a 6-1 victory.
Karly Friedland topped Daniela Voloh in a close 6-4 first set, and controlled the second set with a 6-3 win and advanced to the next round of singles competition.
Freshman Deanna Lasorda prevailed over Hope Moulin of securing her a spot in the next round by winning in straight sets 6-4, 6-3.
Gracey Hirsch collected a hard-fought win over Shannon McCarthy. Hirsch powered through the first set, coming out 6-4 and continued her fight into the second set, resulting in a 7-5 victory.
Doubles
Penn State earned a perfect 3-0 record against Louisville's doubles duos in the first round of the tournament. Power duo, Gabby O'Gorman and Sofiya Chekhlystova collected a 7-6(5) victory in their matchup.
Karly Friedland and Deanna Lasorda captured a 6-0 shutout victory over Tyra Richardson and Dina Chaika.
Duo Gracie Hirsch and Olivia Ryan were victorious over Joy Callwood and Rhea Verma, 7-6 (4).
The Nittany Lions are back in action Saturday for the second day of the Martha Thorn Invitational.
Keep up with the Penn State women's tennis team at GoPSUsports.com. For continued updates throughout the year, make sure to `like' our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennstatewten and follow our twitter @pennstateWTEN.