University of Georgia Athletics
Strong Start by Clayton and the Bulldogs at the ITA Regionals
October 14, 2021 | Women's Tennis
ORLANDO, Fla. – Senior Alee Clayton and the duo of Clayton and Lea Ma advanced to the main draw of the ITA Southeast Regional, after an exciting day of tennis in the Sunshine State.
In the morning, the tandem Clayton and Lea faced off against Stetson's Di Francesco and Cohen. The two teams battled back-and-forth, and the Bulldogs came out on top! Clayton and Lea defeated Di Francesco and Cohen 8-7(2) and clinched their spot in the main doubles draw.
Mai Nirundorn competed against Carina Sommer of FAU in the first round on the singles qualifying bracket. The freshman topped her opponent in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3 to advance to the second round of qualifying. In the second round, Nirundorn faced Georgia Tech's No. 94, Gia Cohen. Despite her best efforts, Nirundorn fell to the senior, 6-2, 4-6 (10-7).
After a first-round bye, Clayton took on Mercer's Francesca Franci. In a tight contest, the senior from Huntsville, Ala., defeated the Franci in straight sets, 7-6(4), 6-4, to earn a spot in the main singles draw and cap off a remarkable start to the ITA Southeast Regional for the Bulldogs.
"Today was an encouraging start to the weekend," said Georgia associate head coach Drake Bernstein. "Mai left it all out there and competed from start to finish all day. She had her back against the wall for most of the second match and continued to play tougher and tougher. She continues to make strides week after week."
"It was terrific to see Alee qualify in both singles and doubles (with Lea) today. In her senior year, she's really dedicated herself to enjoying the game and making the most out of every day. I couldn't say enough about what she does for our team day in and day out," Bernstein said.
"Our team's support for one another really stood out today," said Bernstein. "That matters to us. We want to be the team who helps pull each other through when it gets tough and it was fun to see our girls invested in each other's matches."
"We are ready for some tough challenges tomorrow in both singles and doubles," Bernstein said.
The Bulldogs will continue action at the ITA Southeast Regional, Friday, Oct. 15, when the main draw kicks-off.
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Bulldogs by following UGA Women's Tennis on Twitter @UGAWomensTennis, on Instagram @UGAWomensTennis, and on Facebook @GeorgiaWomensTennis or check out information online at georgiadogs.com.
ITA Southeast Regional
Singles
First Round Qualifying
Alee Clayton - Bye
Mai Nirundorn (Georgia) def. Carina Sommer (FAU) 6-1, 6-3
Second Round Qualifying
Gia Cohen (Georgia Tech) def. Mai Nirundorn (Georgia) 6-2, 4-6 (10-7)
Alee Clayton (Georgia) def. Francesca Franci (Mercer) 7-6(4), 6-4
Doubles
First Round Qualifying
A. Clayton and L. Ma - Bye
Second Round Qualifying
A. Clayton and L. Ma (Georgia) def. Di Francesco and Cohen (Stetson) 8-7(2)
