WICHITA — The ITA Regional Championships showcased a historic performance for the women's tennis team, with standout results across singles and doubles play over three days of intense competition. The tournament, held at Wichita State University, highlighted strong individual and team efforts, setting a high bar for the season ahead.
Day 1: Strong Start in Singles and Doubles
Paulina Hudson, Zeynap Ege, and Carla Arce-Fernandez powered through their opening two rounds in the women's singles main draw, advancing to the round of 16. Alejo Zurmendi mirrored their success in the men's singles draw, also reaching the round of 16. Yoni Danzic, Will Bayliss, and Kaja Brunzlow each secured victories in their first-round singles matches but fell in tightly contested second-round battles.
In doubles, Hudson and Ege dominated their first-round match, while Danzic and Zurmendi, along with Bayliss and Adriano Andrade, advanced to the second round of the men's doubles draw.
Day 2: Ege and Hudson Lead the Charge
Zeynap Ege continued her impressive run, advancing to the singles semifinals. Paulina Hudson reached the quarterfinals but fell in a closely fought match. Carla Arce-Fernandez bowed out in the round of 16. In doubles, Ege and Hudson reached the semifinals, showcasing their chemistry and skill. Kaja Brunzlow and Carla Arce claimed victory in the consolation draw of the main doubles event. Meanwhile, Ahmed Elkassas and Malte Sommer won their pool at the KWU Invite, adding to the team's success.
Day 3: Ege and Hudson Fall Short in Semifinals
Zeynap Ege capped her remarkable tournament with a semifinal appearance in singles but fell to a tough opponent. In doubles, Ege and Hudson battled the tournament's top seed in the semifinals, ultimately dropping a heartbreaking match. Despite the losses, their performances underscored the team's potential.
Coach's Perspective
Head Coach Wade Morgan said the tournament marked a big moment for the women's tennis program, with Ege, Hudson, and Arce-Fernandez leading the way.
"It was a great tournament for both the men and women," Morgan said. "We've seen the level in the region and now know what we need to focus on to be successful. The athletes performed well under pressure, but we still have work to do. We're ready to make gains this off-season, and I'm excited to see what this group can do."
