Morris clinches women's tennis win over No. 17 Vanderbilt

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From SMUMustangs.com:

Drew Morris Clinches Match Against No. 17 Vanderbilt

DALLAS (SMU) — SMU women's tennis defeated No. 17 Vanderbilt 4-3 at the Styslinger / Altec Tennis Complex, with junior Drew Morris deciding the match with her three set thriller.

On Sunday, the Mustangs' won five of nine matches against the Commodores in SMU's 2024 home opener.

"Total team win today," Head coach Jeff Nevolo said. "Tremendous effort in the doubles followed up by some gutsy three set performances."

The first point of competition went to the Mustangs from doubles play.

Taylor Johnson paired with Lana Mavor to take down Vanderbilt's Celia-Bello Mohr and Anessa Lee, 6-4.

Morris and senior Maja Makoric also paired to defeat their Commodores opponents — Holly Staff and Amy Stevens — in a 6-3 match.

In singles competition, 2023 AAC Player of the Year Hadley Doyle defeated Valeria Ray, (6-3, 3-6, 6-4). This was the Colleyville native's first win of the year.

Makoric also defeated Staff in singles play — 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

In the deciding match, Morris took on Highland Park native Bridget Stammel. Morris won in three sets, winning the first 7-5 and the third 7-6.

"It felt incredible to be able to close out the win today against Vanderbilt," Morris said. "It was a total team effort from everyone on the team and having them on the court next to me really helped me pull out the win. This win really proved to us how deep we are and the grit we have as a collective."

SMU travels to Austin to participate in the Texas Regional ITA Kickoff, with play beginning on Friday, Jan. 26 against Florida State.

The Mustangs will then take on either No. 6 Texas or Baylor on Saturday, depending on results.

"We're so proud of the team and excited to head to Austin for ITA kickoff weekend," Nevolo said.

Singles Competition Scores:

1. Celia-Bello Mohr def. Taylor Johnson (6-7, 6-0, 6-3)

2. Drew Morris def. Bridget Stammel (7-5, 4-6, 7-6)

3. Hadley Doyle def. Valeria Ray (6-3, 3-6, 6-4)

4. Anessa Lee def. Lana Mavor (6-1, 6-4)

5. Maja Makoric def. Holly Staff (4-6, 6-4, 6-2)

6. Sonya Macavei def. Caroline McGinley (6-0, 6-2)

Order of Finish: 6, 4, 3, 5, 1, 2


Doubles Competition Scores:

1. Johnson/Mavor def. Mohr/Lee (6-4)

2. Morris/Makoric def. Staff/Amy Stevens (6-3)

3. Ray/Stammel def. McGinley/Millie Skelton (6-2)