May 28, 2010

Updated Doubles Draw

By Donnie Conley, Media Relations Student Assistant

ATHENS, Ga. - The nation's No. 1-ranked doubles pairing of Caitlin Whoriskey and Natalie Pluskota moved into the quarterfinals at the 2010 NCAA Doubles Championships thanks to a 6-3, 6-1 win over Anna Redesci and Selma Salkovic of DePaul on Friday afternoon.

The Lady Vol tandem was ahead nearly the entire match and cruised into the NCAA Quarterfinals for the second straight year.

Prior to the match, Whoriskey suffered a 6-2, 6-2 defeat in the singles portion of the tournament, eliminating her from the field.

Though she was frustrated by her singles outcome, Whoriskey said she was able to put it behind her.

"I had to refocus," Whoriskey said. "I was still a little upset about the way I played in singles and I knew I needed to be better in doubles. I warmed up again (before the match) and I hit the ball much better than I did in singles. I enjoy doubles a little bit more (than singles) so I knew we'd do okay."

They advance to face the No. 5-rated squad of Allie Will and Marrit Boonstra of Florida at 1:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. The Gators advanced courtesy of a 5-7, 7-5, 6-4 victory over Carolina de los Santos and Valentina Galbarini of Stetson.

Pluskota has not faced the talented Gator duo, but Whoriskey has faced them on two occasions in the last six weeks, both while paired with junior Maria Sorbello.

On April 9, Whoriskey and Sorbello handed Will and Boonstra their first loss of dual match play, an 8-6 victory in Knoxville.

The two squads would meet up just 16 days later in the SEC Championship Final, where Whoriskey and Sorbello led, 6-5, before the match was called and went unfinished.

Though she knows that a tough matchup lies ahead, Whoriskey remains confident.

"They're a good doubles team," Whoriskey said. "I think Nat and I are playing really well so I think if we stay aggressive and put volleys away, I think we have a good chance."

Live results and video of tomorrow's match will be available at NCAA.com.

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