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WTennis: Georgia opened up the first day of the Battle in the Bay Classic with a clean sweep in the singles round of 32

“It is great to be out here competing against some schools we don’t typically see and having to figure it out as we go,” said head coach Drake Bernstein. 

Starting the day with doubles play, the Bulldogs No. 1 seeded tandem of Mai Nirundorn and Guillermina Grant fell to Amelia Honer and Camille Kiss (UC Santa Barbara) 5-8. Georgia bounced back across the complex as the duo of Aysegul Mert and Dasha Vidmanova cruised past Yelizaveta Karlova and Emma Valletta (VCU) 8-2 to advance to the doubles quarterfinals. 

In singles play, all four Bulldogs swept the day with four victories to advance to the round of 16. No. 1 seed Vidmanova picked up the first victory of the day over Tomi Main (Pacific) in straight sets 6-2, 6-0. Grant redeemed herself in her singles match, as she used her experience to defeat Alicia Yue (San Francisco) 6-1, 6-3. Nirundorn continued her stellar start to the season as she breezed through the match to defeat Kiss (UC Santa Barbara) 6-0, 6-2. 

“Mai was also impressive today getting off to a quick start and never looking back,” said Bernstein. “She’s really been impressive since starting school back in August and we’re excited to watch her continue to build.” 

Mert produced a battle in her opening round showdown, as the No. 5 seeded freshman turned a one set deficit into an impressive comeback performance to defeat Erin Richardson (San Francisco) 4-6, 7-5, 6-2. 

“I’m very proud of Aysegul’s competitiveness in finding a way to stay in the match down 6-4 4-1 deuce against an experienced player,” said Bernstein. “She showed a lot of courage committing to her game even when it wasn’t going her way.” 

Georgia will jump back into action on Friday with doubles quarterfinals set to begin at noon ET followed by singles round of 16 action at 3 p.m. ET. 

Singles Results 

Round of 32 

[1] Dasha Vidmanova (UGA) def. Tomi Main (Pacific) 6-2, 6-0 

Guillermina Grant (UGA) def. Alicia Yue (San Francisco) 6-1, 6-3 

Mai Nirundorn (UGA) def. Camille Kiss (UC Santa Barbara) 6-0, 6-2 

[5] Aysegul Mert (UGA) def. Erin Richardson (San Francisco) 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 

Doubles Results  

Round of 16 

[1] Amelia Honer/Camille Kiss (UC Santa Barbara) def. Mai Nirundorn/Guillermina Grant (UGA) 8-5 

[4] Aysegul Mert/Dasha Vidmanova (UGA) def. Yelizaveta Karlova/Emma Valletta (VCU) 8-2 

UGA Baseball/Softball get new bats

The University of Georgia has teamed up with Marucci Sports to be the official bat provider for the baseball and softball programs, it was announced Thursday.

The multi-year deal encompasses bats and selected other products for the Georgia baseball and softball programs. Georgia softball becomes the first program in the SEC to partner with Marucci.

Georgia’s Ike Cousins head baseball coach Wes Johnson begins his first season in Athens. He is very familiar with the Baton Rouge-based company that serves an equipment provider for more than 37 Division I programs including 2023 national champion LSU. Johnson, along with Bulldog assistant Josh Simpson, served on the Tigers staff last year.

“We’re excited about the commitment by Marucci Sports to become the official bat provider for the University of Georgia,” said Johnson. “They have an excellent reputation as one of the industry leaders in products and customer service, and we’re looking forward to a great relationship.”

Entering his 12th season in Athens and third as the head coach of the Bulldogs in 2024, Tony Baldwin has guided Georgia softball to exceptional heights offensively. Year over year, Georgia ranks toward the top in the SEC and the nation in multiple offensive categories. Under Baldwin’s tutelage, Bulldogs have garnered 11 All-America honors with their bats.

“We’re really excited for this partnership with Marucci and the great things they are doing for the future of our game,” Baldwin said. “We appreciate their support of Georgia Softball and look forward to a great relationship with the organization.”

“Marucci Sports is thrilled to become the official bat provider for the University of Georgia baseball and softball programs,” said Kurt Ainsworth, CEO of Marucci Sports. “The Georgia brand is known worldwide, and we are excited to have our brand connected with it. We look forward to providing the best service possible, and we are proud to have them in the Marucci Family.”

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