Ovunc shines in return during fall opener

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Jacob Taylor/Auburn Tigers

AUBURN, Ala. - Selin Ovunc posted two singles and one doubles victory on Friday during her competition since May of 2022. The Tigers totaled three singles wins and two doubles wins across tournaments in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina. 

"Having Selin back and competing at a high level was a highlight and a testament to the consistent work she's put in all summer," said associate head coach Megan Falcon. "We are looking forward to the opportunity to compete and grow tomorrow as we continue the start of our fall slate"

Ovunc began theKitty Harrison Invitational in Chapel Hill by defeating NC State's Reya Coe 6-1, 6-1 before taking down No. 34 Emma Jackson of Duke 6-2, 4-6, 12-10. In addition to the two straight set victories, Ovunc and Kaitlyn Carnicella paired up to defeat Florida's freshman duo of Qavia Lopez and Malwina Rowinska by an 8-6 score. After falling in her first singles match, Carnicella bounced back by claiming a win over Jordan Cegarra of Penn State by a 6-4, 4-6, 10-3 score. 

At the Debbie Southern Fall Classic hosted by Furman in Greenville, Adeline Flach and Ali DeSpain fell in a close match to the 43rd ranked doubles team of #43 Amelia Rajecki and Maddy Zampardo from NC State but came back to claim an 8-6 ranked victory over Brooke Killingsworth and Marcella Cruz of Wake Forest, the No. 31 doubles team in the country. 

"Adeline and Ali played two very competitive doubles matches vs two ranked opponents in those battles they showed glimpses of what we are capable of," assistant coach Mat Iandolo said after the conclusion of play in Greenville. "The singles portion of was not quite up to that level but both learned some things that will be applied tomorrow as we move through this event."

Singles and doubles matches from both events will continue on Saturday and Sunday. Results from both the Kitty Harrison Invitational and the Debbie Southern Fall Classic will be available at AuburnTigers.com following each day of play.

UNC Invite
Friday Results:

Selin Ovunc (AUB) def. Reya Coe (NCSU) 6-1, 6-1
#89 Xinyu Cai (WIS) def. Ava Esposito Cogan (AUB) 3-6, 6-3, 10-5
Malwina Rowinska (UF) def. Kaitlyn Carnicella (AUB) 6-1, 6-2
Selin Ovunc (AUB) def. #36 Emma Jackson (DUKE) 6-2, 4-6, 12-10
Olivia Domer (PSU) def. Ava Esposito Cogan (AUB) 1-6, 6-3, 11-9
Kaitlyn Carnicella (AUB) def. Jordan Cegarra (PSU) 6-4, 4-6, 10-3
Selin Ovunc/Kaitlyn Carnicella (AUB) def. Qavia Lopez/Malwina Rowinska 8-6
Lucia Quiteri/Ruxi Schech (CHAR) def. Ava Esposito Cogan (AUB)/Jenna Thompson (CLEM) 8-5
 
Debbie Southern Fall Classic
Friday Results:

Guillermina Grant (UGA) def. Adeline Flach (AUB) 6-4, 6-1
#43 Amelia Rajecki/Maddy Zampardo (NCST) def. Adeline Flach/Ali DeSpain (AUB) 8(7), 7(3)
Adeline Flach/Ali DeSpain (AUB) def. #31 Brooke Killingsworth/Marcella Cruz (WAKE) 8-6
Grace Thomas (FUR) def. Ali DeSpain (AUB) 6-2, 3-6, 7(9)-6(7)