NC State
Pepperdine University
No. 22 Frantova/Rogers Make History, Advance to Sweet 16 at NCAA Doubles Championship
5/25/2017 6:42:00 PM | Women's Tennis
Wolfpack duo becomes first from program to make second round
Updated Bracket
ATHENS, Ga. —The No. 22 ranked doubles tandem of Martina Frantova and Anna Rogers made history Thursday evening after upsetting No. 8 Christine Maddox and Mayar Sherif Ahmed of Pepperdine in the NCAA Doubles Championship. The victory distinguishes the duo as the first in NC State history to advance to the Sweet 16.
The Wolfpack tandem won its 18th straight match by a final score of 6-4, 6-2 to move its record to 24-1, while the loss concludes the Wave duo's season at 15-4.
"In our regular season, we didn't get to finish our match against this team and I am glad we got a second shot at it," said Martina Frantova. "It feels amazing to advance in the tournament and become the first team in history to do so. There are great things to come for the Wolfpack in the near future. We are definitely not done here."
"As a freshman playing in the NCAA tournament, this experience has been unbelievable so far," said Anna Rogers. "Our historic record during the season has led us to this point. Yes, we have won our first match, and yes, we've made history, but we're not done yet. I'm so excited to see what the future holds for this program!"
Match Recap
In set one, NC State and Pepperdine fought for the lead as both teams managed to hold serve, forcing ties at 1-1, 2-2, 3-3 and 4-4. The Wolfpack broke serve at 5-4 to take the lead, and carried the lead though the final game to seal the first set win by a score of 6-4.
While the first set was a battle, Frantova and Rogers carried their momentum from the win and took an early lead in the second set, breaking serve to take a 1-0 lead. From there, the Pack swiftly extended its lead to 4-0. Despite an attempted rally from the Wave's Maddox and Sherif, Frantova and Rogers outlasted Pepperdine to clinch the victory, 6-4, 6-2.
Simon Says
"We knew coming into this match that it was a tough draw," said heach coach Simon Earnshaw. "The Pepperdine team was on a big winning streak of their own. I would say that they're definitely a top 10 team and they've earned that status. That being said, I think we've proved that we can hold our own against those teams.
"Despite it being a difficult opener, it was really just a question of trying to hold serve and control the things that we could control. And I think we did a good job of that. I think we served particularly well in the match and we while we weren't completely clean, I think we played a good tempo and both teams played aggressively.
"All and all, it was a good performance for Anna and Martina. We're just trying to advance and take it one match at a time—tomorrow will be no different. We just have to concentrate on ourselves and just keep working. Hopefully we're able to do that again tomorrow. Go Pack!"
Up Next
The Wolfpack will move on to the second round where they will take on No. 34 Maya Jansen and Maegan Manasse of California on Friday. First serve is set for 3 p.m.
Fans can find more information about the Championship here.
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