May 26, 2010

Updated Draw

By Donnie Conley, Media Relations Student Assistant

ATHENS, Ga. - University of Tennessee senior Caitlin Whoriskey won her first NCAA Singles Championships match in three tries on Wednesday, knocking off No. 51 Nazari Urbina of Texas A&M in three sets at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex.

Whoriskey struggled out of the gate, dropping the first set, 6-2.

However, she bore down on Urbina in the next two sets, winning 6-2 in the second and taking the clincher, 6-3.

Tennessee co-head coach Mike Patrick said that he thought Whoriskey was pressing early in the match.

"I think she put a lot of pressure on herself and (after the first set), she got focused and relaxed a little bit," Patrick said. "She started playing her game more and didn't make as many unforced errors. She wanted to get over the hump and she was able to do that. Now, she can just play and have fun."

The loss is just the sixth of the season for Urbina and first since April 5. The freshman from Veracruz, Mexico finished her debut campaign with a record of 32-6.

This is Whoriskey's third straight year in the NCAA Singles Championships. She had been bounced in the first round on the previous two occasions.

She advances to face No. 48-ranked Nadja Gilchrist of Georgia at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday. Gilchrist upset 25th-rated Nadine Fahoum of Old Dominion in the first round, 6-3, 6-1.

A sophomore from Webster, N.Y., Gilchrist posted a 20-12 record this season. She played primarily from the No. 2 singles spot. She and Whoriskey have never faced one another, but some familiarity does exist.

Maria Sorbello defeated Gilchrist, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 on April 17. Whoriskey and Gilchrist have also faced off numerous times in doubles action.

"We know what to expect (with Gilchrist)," Patrick said. "She's a big ball hitter and Caitlin knows what she's going to get. There won't be any surprises. She has to be able to withstand the heat and avoid unforced errors."

Live video and results of the NCAA Singles Championships are available at NCAA.com.

Fans are reminded to follow the Lady Vols on Twitter at www.twitter.com/UTLadyVols

NCAA SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS--OPENING ROUND

Whoriskey (UT) def. Urbina (TAMU) 2-6, 6-2, 6-3