Duo Ready for Women's All-American Championships
October 01, 2010 | Women's Tennis
Oct. 1, 2010
Written By: Katie Yingling, Texas Tech Athletics Communications
Senior Kelsy Garland and Freshman Samantha Adams were selected as two of the nation's top collegiate tennis players to compete in the 2010 ITA Women's All-American Championships this weekend in Pacific Palisades, Cali.
Garland was selected based on her national and regional ranking last year, and Adams is one of a select few freshmen to qualify for the tournament.
The duo began doubles play together with a win at the 2010 ITA Summer Circuit doubles title in July and has been practicing for about 5 months. Coach Todd Petty says the pair complements each other well.
"I think Sam, being a freshman, has tons of talent but maturity wise (she) isn't quite there yet," Petty said. "Kelsy has been there and done that several times, so she kind of pads that area and picks them up in their weaknesses."
Garland has had a successful career at Tech and is No. 7 on the career wins list for both singles and doubles with 55 singles victories and 57 doubles victories. Entering her final year at Tech, Garland has competed in this tournament three of the last four years.
"This is a good finishing touch for her, and she has earned it," Petty said. "It is something she has worked hard for and deserves the opportunity."
Garland and Adams were chosen as one of 32 prequalifying teams. They will need to win three rounds to advance to the qualifying stage and then another two rounds before the finals. The ultimate goal, Petty said, is to be one of the top six teams to go to the ITA National Indoor Championships in Flushing Meadow, N.Y.
If the pair does well it could rank them among the top 50 doubles teams early in the season. Just being a part of the tournament says a lot about Tech's tennis program, Petty said.
"This shows the depth of the team and how it is getting stronger," Petty said. "The recruiting is getting better every year. This is the first step for these two girls for the NCAA Championships in the spring. This will give them an opportunity to play some higher ranked opponents."
Petty said since the team is only two weeks into official practice the pair is a little inexperienced together, but they will improve throughout the tournament.
"They are a long way away from the goal," Petty said. "It will take 10 to 12 matches to win the whole thing. We just have to start with the first one."
Players Mentioned
