The Winthrop women’s tennis team opened their season with a win over CAA. Defending champions William and Mary and Rafaela Santos earned the Big South honor of Freshman of the Week. The Eagles defeated the Tribe on Jan. 20, 4-3 at Lifetime Fitness Club in Charlotte.
“Beating William and Mary for the opener this season was really awesome for us. Last year, we actually had quite a devastating loss to them, so to come back and win this year was huge for us,” said senior All-American Lauren Proctor. “I was really proud of the team and our effort.”
In singles, Proctor won in the No. 1 position with a three-set victory. In doubles, her and her partner Megan Kauffman won 6-3 at the No. 1 position as well. Last year, the duo had a 24-match undefeated streak.
“So proud of the team and the way they all competed and fought for every point,” said head coach Cid Carvalho. “The doubles point was huge. Alisa had a great day, and Rafaela and Lauren won their matches in the third set.”
Alisa Soloveva and Rafaela Santos partnered in doubles, winning 6-2. In singles, Soloveva had a 2-0 straight-set win and Santos finished with a 6-1 third set victory.
“Winning was very cool,” said Brazil native Santos. “I was a little nervous because it was my first game. Last semester I was ineligible, and it was interesting because it was my first game, and I played against a Brazilian who is my friend.”
With the clinching point and doubles win, the Big South conference office announced Wednesday that Santos has been named the Big South Freshman of the Week.
“It feels amazing,” said Santos. “I was not expecting it. I think it’s very important not only for me, but for the whole team.”
“Rafa brings a lot to our team. She’s like a little firecracker, full of power and energy when she’s on the court, which is just a thrill to play alongside,” said captain Proctor. “She’s a great addition to our team, and we are thrilled to have her.”
The Eagles are the defending Big South Champions and made history when they beat No. 20 Auburn in the first round of the NCAA championships last year.
All-American doubles partners Proctor and Kauffman went undefeated all the way until the NCAA Doubles Championship quarterfinal when they lost to Oklahoma State.
“Our goals for the season, as well as my goals, are to train really hard and win in conference. I really want to bring home another ring for Winthrop and give us another chance to win a round or more in the NCAA’s,” said Proctor. “I would also love to compete individually in singles and in doubles again with my remarkable partner Megan Kauffman.”
