ASU senior Kelcy McKenna took first place in the singles championship at the 2010 ASU Thunderbird Invitational on Sunday, a first in ASU women’s tennis history.
McKenna faced Northwestern freshman Belinda Niu in the finals of the tournament battling back from a 1-4 deficit in the first set. McKenna made her comeback to win the first set 7-5.
“Belinda was playing really well, and I was trying to figure a way to get back into the points to make them last a little longer, and hopefully change the momentum of the match,” McKenna said.
McKenna easily won the second set 6-2.
ASU tennis coach Sheila McInerney was glad to have a Sun Devil win the tournament for the first time.
“It’s nice to have somebody win the tournament for us,” McInerney said. “The first place prize was a kachina. We hadn’t won one of those yet.”
McKenna has been having a strong season. She has only competed in two tournaments this season, and has won both. She also took first place in singles play at the Cal Nike Invitational in September.
Between school and student teaching, McKenna has been limited in how much she is able to travel and compete in tournaments. Being able to play in the Thunderbird Invitational and win in singles meant a lot to the senior.
“I’m excited that I was able to actually play in the tournament and to be around my teammates again because it’s been so long since I’ve had that opportunity,” McKenna said.
Players from Michigan, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oregon, San Diego and California competed in the tournament, which lasted from Friday through Sunday at the ASU Whiteman Tennis Center.
There were consolation rounds for singles losers so that every player competed in at least three matches.
“Everyone felt like they had plenty of tennis and really good competition,” McInerney said.
The Sun Devils also had a successful weekend in doubles play.
The duo of McKenna and senior Micaela Hein defeated Northwestern sophomore Brittany Wowchuk and sophomore Katie Turvy 8-5 on Friday. The tandem went on to defeated Ohio State sophomore Gabby Steele and junior Kelsey Haviland 8-0 on Saturday.
In singles Hein defeated Ohio State senior Cami Hubbs 6-3, 6-4 in the round of 32 before falling 6-4, 6-4 to Niu in the round of 16.
ASU sophomore Hannah James and junior Michelle Brycki defeated Steele and Haviland 8-4 in doubles play.
ASU senior Ashlee Brown and junior Sianna Simmons beat Michigan junior Michelle Sulahian and senior Kari Wig 9-7 in doubles play. Brown and Simmons also defeated Niu and junior Stacey Lee 9-7 one round earlier.
ASU freshman Jacqueline Cako made it to the semifinals in singles play.
Cako first defeated Lee 6-3, 6-3 and then topped Michigan senior Rika Tatsuno 6-2, 6-4 in the round of the 32.
In the quarterfinals, Cako took on Cal sophomore Taylor Davis and won 7-5, 6-3 before losing in the semifinals to Niu 6-1, 6-0.
Reach the reporter at nklauss@asu.edu
