Women’s tennis puts up a fight in first-ever Belmont Fall Invitational

Mixed results befell Belmont women’s tennis as they hosted an inaugural home tournament on the newly opened Crockett Center rooftop courts this weekend.

Invitations were extended to the University of North Alabama Lions and the Murray State University Racers, as well as the Lipscomb University Bisons — who were up first to face the Bruins on Friday.

Ultimately, the Bruins made their mark on the home courts, banking more wins than losses as a team with 6-4 in doubles and 10-9 in singles match-ups.

A freshman high-five between Anastasiya Zholdakova (left) and Abi Solomon (right) at their doubles game against Lipscomb on Friday. Belmont Vision / Jessica Mattsson

The Bruins opened strong against Boulevard rival Lipscomb to rack up three wins across four doubles games.

Freshman duo Anastasiya Zholdakova and Abi Solomon emerged victorious in doubles and also recorded winning singles matches against the Bisons, going three-for-three in their debut at the Crockett Center.

Solomon herself banked five wins for the Bruins over the course of the weekend, two in doubles and three in singles play.

Freshman Nashville native Aly Getty also took to the court for Belmont. Despite a tough start to the tournament with singles and doubles losses for Getty and her partner, Taylor Trondson, the pair showed up hungry for a better outcome against the Lions on Sunday.

Aly Getty charging a forehand against a Racer opponent Monday. Belmont Vision / Jessica Mattsson.

Getty and Trondson were the only Bruin duo to win their doubles game versus North Alabama. A difficult day on the courts still concluded in 5 wins and 4 losses for the Bruins following solid solo performances by Somer Henry and Peyton Lee, among others.

Resident seniors Henry, Lee, Meredith Roberts and Lauren Carelli all performed well this weekend, setting good examples for the younger athletes. After winning seven games and losing three against their first two opponents, the seniors struggled against their third contender, Murray State.

Backed by the Bruin on her home court, Somer Henry swings for a point versus her Racer opponent Monday. Belmont Vision / Jessica Mattsson.

As the tournament wrapped up Monday, new doubles pair Carelli and Henry started out victoriously as a duo but fell short to their opponents in their individual matches.

Lone junior Trondson played her doubles game with Lee, posting a 6-3 loss against the Racers. But a rough final round of singles awaited the Bruins.

Out of seven match-ups, Solomon was the only Belmont player to win her game on Monday. And after a successful weekend using the home courts to her advantage, the freshman added five of six wins to the season stats.

Going 6-4 in doubles and 10-9 in singles, Belmont women’s tennis looks to maintain a winning mindset and will work on their strengths and weaknesses before the competitive ITA Ohio Valley Regional held in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, from Oct. 21-24.

All smiles from Somer Henry (left) in a doubles match with Meredith Roberts (right). The duo beat the Bisons on the new campus courts Friday. Belmont Vision / Jessica Mattsson.

Up next for tennis is the men’s Belmont Fall Invitational, which will take place Oct. 8-10 on the Crockett Center courts.

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PHOTO: Full focus from junior Taylor Trondson in a Murray State game Monday. Belmont Vision / Jessica Mattsson

This story was written by Jessica Mattsson.

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