The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebel Netters Post Big Wins At ITA National Indoor
11/9/2009 | Women's Tennis
NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- The Ole Miss women's tennis duo of Kristi Boxx and Karen Nijssen won the doubles consolation bracket at the ITA National Intercollegiate Indoor Championships Sunday to conclude a successful fall for the Rebels.
Boxx and Nijssen, ranked No. 9, lost a tight match in Thursday's main draw first round 9-7, to a team from Marshall University. Since then, they won three straight matches in consolation, including knocking off the No. 5 ranked team and the No. 2 ranked and defending NCAA Champions.
After beating a team from Boise State in the first round of consolation, Boxx and Nijssen handed Sophie Grabinski and Sanaz Marand of North Carolina, ranked No. 5 in the nation, a 9-7 loss. In Sunday's final, the Rebel duo downed the defending NCAA Champion, and top seed, Mari Andersson and Jana Juricova (California), 8-2.
"Even the first round they (Kristi and Karen) didn't play that bad. That team (Marshall) was a solid team. The last three matches Kristi and Karen played well, especially with the way they served and the way they returned. To beat the NCAA Champions convincingly is a big accomplishment. They didn't let them in the match. It's a testament to how hard they've been working," said assistant coach Jason Ontog, who traveled to Connecticut with the duo.
Boxx and Nijssen concluded the fall with a 10-4 record, including winning the ITA Southern Regional. Boxx (7-6) also competed in the singles competition and won her first round before falling to eventual champion, Juricova.
In addition to Boxx and Nijssen's success this fall, sophomore Abigail Guthrie posted a 13-2 record, and junior Connor Vogel turned in a 14-4 mark. Vogel also teamed with Gabriela Rangel for a 9-4 record in doubles.
The spring season begins Jan. 26 when the Rebels, who ended last season ranked No. 21 in the country, host Southern Mississippi at the Gillom Sports Center.
ITA NATIONAL INTERCOLLEGIATE INDOOR -- NEW HAVEN, Conn.
DOUBLES CONSOLATION
First round -- Kristi Boxx/Karen Nijssen (OM) def. Lauren Magale/Pichittra Thongdach (BSU) 8-4. Second round -- Boxx/Nijssen (OM) def. Sophie Grabinski/Sanaz Marand (UNC) 9-7. Final Round -- Boxx/Nijssen (OM) def. Mari Andersson/Jana Juricova (CAL) 8-2.
