NORMAN, Okla. - Chances were there, but the big points went the other way for No. 15 Stanford on Friday evening, as the Cardinal dropped a 4-1 decision to No. 2 Oklahoma in the Super Regionals of the NCAA Tournament. Stanford concludes its season with a 19-6 overall record.
The doubles point seemed positive early for the Cardinal, as Angelica Blake and Connie Ma raced out to a 4-0 lead on the top court while Sara Choy and Alexandra Yepifanova battled on-serve on the second court. As play continued, however, momentum began to shift the way of the Sooners, who ultimately took a 6-2 win on court three and eeked out a 7-5 win on court two.
Knowing it had to win four matches in singles, the Cardinal didn't get off to the start it needed, losing five of the six first sets. Blake on court three was the first to finish - battling until the last serve but ultimately falling 6-4, 6-4 to No. 97 Ivana Corley. The Cardinal's first point of the match came from the ever-steady Sara Choy on court six, earning a 7-5, 6-0 victory.
Despite the first set struggles, the Cardinal was well positioned in the second set in multiple matches, including a 6-4 win for Valencia Xu on court five and a comeback effort from Yepifanova on court two, rallying from down 3-0 to lead 6-5. She couldn't close it, ultimately losing a 7-5 decision in the tiebreaker, giving Oklahoma its third point.
Hanging on for dear life, India Houghton was in a good position in her second set as well, leading 3-0, but ultimately succumbed, 6-2, 6-4.
Connie Ma and Alexandra Yepifanova will continue play in the NCAA singles tournament in Champaign, Ill., beginning on May 23. Ma will partner with Angelica Blake in the doubles tournament.No. 2 Oklahoma 4, No. 15 Stanford 1
DOUBLES
1. #10 Ivana Corley/Carmen Corley (OU) led #19 Angelica Blake/Connie Ma (STAN) 6-5
2. Layne Sleeth/Alexandra Pisareva (OU) d. Sara Choy/Alexandra Yepifanova (STAN) 7-5
3. Dana Guzman/Emma Staker (OU) d. Michaela Gordon/Valencia Xu (STAN) 6-2
Order of Finish: 3, 2
SINGLES
1. #26 Connie Ma (STAN) vs. #10 Layne Sleeth (OU) 7-6(6), 1-1 DNF
2. #53 Carmen Corley (OU) d. #23 Alexandra Yepifanova (STAN) 6-3, 7-6(5)
3. #97 Ivana Corley (OU) d. Angelica Blake (STAN) 6-4, 6-4
4. Dana Guzman (OU) d. India Houghton (STAN) 6-2, 6-4
5. #113 Valencia Xu (STAN) vs. Alexandra Pisareva (OU) 1-6, 6-4, 1-0 DNF
6. Sara Choy (STAN) d. Emma Staker (OU) 7-5, 6-0
Order of Finish: 3, 6, 2, 4