Barry University Athletics

Jim McCurdy

Kimmy Twelker won another singles match in Arizona to help Barry advance to the NCAA semifinals.

Women's Tennis 5/14/2015 8:54:00 PM Jim McCurdy

Women's Tennis Shuts Out Columbus State in NCAA Quarterfinals

No. 2 Bucs to meet No. 3 BYU-Hawaii in semifinals 4 p.m. Friday

Box Score
Box Score

Linda Fritschken & Kimmy Twelker Interview

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Kimmy Twelker delivered again, and the Buccaneers followed suit.

No. 2 Barry University women's tennis team shut out Columbus State, 5-0, Thursday in the NCAA quarterfinals at Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex to set up a date with No. 3 BYU-Hawaii in the semifinals 4 p.m. EST Friday.

"We have to come out strong tomorrow. BYU's a pretty good team," Twelker said. "But we're pretty motivated, and I hope we can wrap it up."

Twelker won her second straight NCAA Tournament singles match, beating Elena Preadca, 6-1, 6-0, at No. 6 singles to move the Bucs within a point of clinching the quarterfinals win. No. 45-ranked Ana Pain's 6-1, 6-1 victory over Saravinder Pannu at No. 5 closed it out to send the Bucs on to the semis.

"Today we didn't know what to expect," Barry senior Linda Fritschken said. "But they were really motivated, especially now when it comes close to the semifinals. All the teams really want to make it, and every match is competitive. We played strong, and it was a good win."

Barry's No. 3 doubles team of Twelker and Elisabeth Abanda picked up the first win, an 8-1 decision over Preadca and Olivera Tadijin to give the Bucs the early lead. Fourth-ranked Fritschken and Emma Onila were 8-3 winners over Beatriz Leon and Pannu at the No. 2 position. Third-ranked Sonja Larsen and Pain swept 24th-ranked Camila Tobar and Kirsa Utech, 8-0, at the top spot.

It was an aggressive display of doubles for the Bucs, who won all three pairs matches for the 21st time this season.

"I think we all are good in doubles, and we know how to play doubles," Twelker said. "It's just better when you can win the point really quickly and you can wrap up the doubles pretty quickly to be up 3-0."

Fourth-ranked Larsen was within a game of closing out her No. 2 singles match. Third-ranked Onila won the opening set at No. 3 singles. Fritschken, who is ranked 29th, also was up a set at No. 4 singles when Pain put the finishing touches on the quarterfinal victory.

Two years ago, the Bucs were let down after the second day in Arizona. This year, they advance to a third day with more at stake.

"I think the team is really focused and motivated because half the team was here two years ago, and we don't want that to happen again," Twelker said. "We're just being focused, playing strong and trying to win."

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Players Mentioned

Sonja Larsen: 5' 10"; Freshman

Ana Pain: 5' 6"; Sophomore

Kimmy Twelker: 6' 0"; Junior

Elisabeth Abanda: 5' 6"; Junior

Linda Fritschken: 5' 10"; Senior

Emma Onila: 5' 5"; Junior

Players Mentioned

Sonja Larsen
: 5' 10"; Freshman

Ana Pain
: 5' 6"; Sophomore

Kimmy Twelker
: 6' 0"; Junior

Elisabeth Abanda
: 5' 6"; Junior

Linda Fritschken
: 5' 10"; Senior

Emma Onila
: 5' 5"; Junior