DePaul University
Wildcat Invitational
Inspired Effort Leads to Blue Demon Sweep in Evanston
9/28/2014 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S TENNIS
Results
EVANSTON, Ill. -- In its first event of the 2014-15 season the DePaul women's tennis team used an inspired effort to win all four draws at the Wildcat Invitational in Evanston.
"The girls vowed to go 7-0 and win all four titles in honor of [former DePaul men's tennis player] Lukas Horacek and they came through," said head coach Mark Ardizzone. Horacek passed away last week. "We dedicated today to Lukas and his family. We know Lukas was helping his beloved Blue Demons."
Yuliya Shupenia secured the team's first tournament title with a convincing 6-1, 6-1 victory over Florida International's Carlotta Orlando in the Purple Singles Flight. Then, Rebeca Mitrea outlasted Northwestern's Erin Larner in three sets, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, to win the Black Singles Flight.
"Yuliya just did an amazing job winning the top flight in singles, including a great win over No. 24 Yana Koroleva (Florida International) this weekend," Ardizzone said. "Rebeca continued to get better and better and won the second flight with a couple of great wins in the semifinals and championship. Those two were also dominant in the second doubles flight and won four matches rather easily. They combined to go 14-0 for the weekend."
Mitrea and Shupenia toppled Oklahoma's Devine and Melrose, 8-3, to win the Grey Doubles Flight. Jasmin Kling and Patricia Lancranjan wrapped up the weekend with an 8-4 triumph over Pittsburgh's Blakely and Wickman.
"Having Jasmin and Patricia play together for the first time and win the tournament was certainly a highlight as well," Ardizzone said.
"I couldn't be more pleased with the team's effort this weekend," Ardizzone said. "This tournament is a tough test with a lot of tennis in a few short days. To play with a lot of great programs and win all four of the flights is a pretty great accomplishment."
DePaul's season resumes on Oct. 16 at the ITA Midwest Regional in Champaign, Ill. However Patricia Fargas and Ana Vladutu will be participating at the ITA All-Americans throughout this week.
Players Mentioned
