University of Georgia Athletics
Bulldogs Dominate Day One in the Desert
January 13, 2023 | Women's Tennis
Indian Wells, Calif. — The University of Georgia women's tennis picked up eight wins – six singles and two doubles – over the Auburn Tigers on day one of the Duel in the Desert.
"We had a very good start to the spring season today," said Georgia associate head coach Drake Bernstein. "We've been eager to compete and today we had several courts where we had that special edge when it mattered the most. Auburn has a tough team this year and is well-coached, so today was definitely a strong statement about what we are capable of this year. We look forward to more challenges over the next few days here in Indian Wells.
In singles, Georgia picked up six wins on the day. Senior Ania Hertel, sophomores Dasha Vidmanova and Guillermina Grant and freshman Anastasiia Lopata won in straight sets, while graduate Meg Kowalski and sophomore Mell Reasco went the distance. After dropping the opening set, No. 100 Kowalski came back to defeat Angella Okutoyi 5-7, 6-0, 7-5. Reasco picked up her first ranked win of the spring, topping No. 43 Ariana Arseneault 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. Hertel cruised to a 6-2, 6-2 win over Adeline Flach, while No. 31 Vidmanova defeated No. 71 Carolyn Ansari 7-5, 6-3. No. 64 Lopata dominated Anastasia Astakhova 6-2, 6-3, while Grant closed the day out with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Ali Despain.
In doubles action, the Bulldogs picked up two wins. Sophomores Mai Nirundorn and Grant defeated Ali Despain and Carolyn Ansari 6-3, while Kowalski and Reasco topped DJ Bennett and Kaitlyn Carnicella 7-5.
The Bulldogs will continue play at the Duel in the Desert with matches against student-athletes from Kansas on Saturday, January 14.
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
Doubles Results
Day One
Ariana Arseneault/Angella Okutoyi (AU) def. Ania Hertel/Dasha Vidmanova (UGA) 7-5
Guillermina Grant/Mai Nirundorn (UGA) def. over Ali Despain/Carolyn Ansari (AU) 6-3
Mell Reasco/Meg Kowalski (UGA) def. DJ Bennett/Kaitlyn Carnicella (AU) 7-5
Singles Results
Day One
Mell Reasco (UGA) def. #43 Ariana Arseneault (AU) 6-3, 3-6, 7-5
#31 Dasha Vidmanova (UGA) def. #71 Carolyn Ansari (AU) 7-5, 6-3
#100 Meg Kowalski (UGA) def. Angella Okutoyi (AU) 5-7, 6-0, 7-5
Kaitlyn Carnicella (AU) def. Mai Nirundorn (UGA) 6-1, 6-4
Ania Hertel (UGA) def. Adeline Flach (AU) 6-2, 6-2
Guillermina Grant (UGA) def. Ali Despain (AU) 6-4, 6-4
#64 Anastasiia Lopata (UGA) def. Anastasia Astakhova (AU) 6-2, 6-3
