Women's Tennis Rolls Past Baylor, Makes History

When sophomore Danielle Collins won her match at #2 singles for Virginia this afternoon, she didn't just propel the Cavaliers into the NCAA quarterfinals. She helped cement the 2014 squad as the most successful in Virginia history.

After three consecutive losses in the Sweet Sixteen the past three seasons, this squad - the #3 seed in the tournament - finally broke through to the quarterfinals, dropping the Baylor Bears 4-1 this afternoon in Athens, Ga.

The Cavaliers started off right, taking the doubles point by winning at #3 and #1 doubles. The remaining match, which officially goes down as a DNF, was tied at 6-all when play stopped.

In singles, Virginia wasted no time doubling their lead. Sophomore Julia Elbaba - ranked #4 in the country - demolished her opponent at #1 singles in straight sets, 0 & 1.

Baylor didn't go away easily, however. Blair Shankle took down Rachel Pierson 6-0, 7-6 (9-7) at #4 singles to cut the Cavalier lead in half. It would be all the scoring the Bears could muster, however.

Stephanie Nauta won in straight sets 6-4, 7-5 at #3 singles before Collins closed out the contest by winning 4 & 3 at #2 singles.

The Cavaliers will now face #11 Stanford, who upset #6 California today. The match is set for Saturday at noon.