WACO, Texas - Caroline Doyle and Carol Zhao recorded victories on Wednesday afternoon in the opening round of the NCAA Singles Championship.
Doyle defeated Houston’s Despoina Vogasari 6-3, 6-4 while Zhao cruised past Georgia Tech’s Paige Hourigan 6-1, 6-1 as both players were victorious on the first day of singles play for the second straight season.
Fellow sophomore Taylor Davidson was eliminated on Wednesday, falling 6-3, 6-3 to Virginia’s Danielle Collins. An All-Pac-12 First Team honoree, Davidson wrapped up her season at 29-9 overall and was 18-3 in duals, playing mainly at the No. 2 spot (16-3). Davidson was making her second career appearance at the NCAA Singles Championship, reaching last year’s second round as a freshman.
On the men’s side, freshman Tom Fawcett dropped a 7-5, 6-4 decision to Wake Forest’s Noah Rubin in his debut at the event. The ITA Northwest Region Rookie of the Year, Fawcett finished 26-12 overall and 14-7 in duals, playing all his matches at the No. 1 spot. Fawcett, who chalked up seven wins against nationally-ranked players, claimed the USTA/ITA Northwest Regional Championships title in October, becoming first Cardinal player to win the event since Ryan Thacher (2011) and first Stanford freshman since KJ Hippensteel (1998).
Play continues Thursday morning with the start of doubles. Representing Stanford on the women’s side are Davidson and Zhao while Doyle pairs with Ellen Tsay. The men’s field features the Cardinal’s top duo of John Morrissey and Robert Stineman.
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No. 19 Taylor Davidson
May 20: lost to No. 15 Danielle Collins (UVA) 6-3, 6-3
No. 25 Caroline Doyle
May 20: d. No. 77 Despoina Vogasari (HOU) 6-3, 6-4
No. 2 Carol Zhao
May 20: d. No. 48 Paige Hourigan (GATECH) 6-1, 6-1
No. 26 Tom Fawcett
May 20: lost to No. 6 Noah Rubin (WAKE) 7-5, 6-4