The Kentucky Wildcats, ranked fifth in the nation and seeded first in the Lexington Regional of ITA Kickoff Weekend, defeated the fourth-seeded Liberty Flames 4-0 on Friday. This win places the Wildcats in the championship match where they will face either Notre Dame or Washington for the chance to qualify for the ITA National Indoor Championships. The Wildcats’ victory over the Flames marks their second win over an NCAA Tournament team from last season, with the potential for a third win in Saturday’s championship game.
National Player of the Year Liam Draxl and fifth-year transfer Alafia Ayeni both had outstanding performances, going 2-0 on the day and contributing to the doubles win for the Wildcats. Taha Baadi, another transfer from Wake Forest, remained undefeated on the season and continues his winning streak as a Wildcat.
The Wildcats dominated in doubles, quickly jumping ahead of Liberty in both the No. 1 and No. 2 doubles matches. Draxl and Ayeni clinched the point for the Wildcats with a 6-3 win at the top flight. The Wildcats continued their strong performance in singles, with Ayeni defeating Liberty’s Beau Pelletier 6-1, 6-0 and Draxl winning a hard-fought three-set match 6-2, 3-6, 6-2. Baadi sealed the victory for the Wildcats with a 7-4 win in a tiebreaker at No. 4 singles.
With this win, the Kentucky Wildcats are one step closer to advancing to the ITA DI Team Indoor National Championships in Chicago from Feb. 17-20. Last season, the Wildcats made it to Indoor Nationals after defeating Alabama and Mississippi State en route to the Starkville Regional title, and went on to beat USC in Seattle before losing to Baylor and South Carolina. The Wildcats’ appearance in 2022 marked the first for the program since 2013.
The Kentucky Wildcats will compete in the ITA Kickoff Weekend Championship on Saturday, Jan. 28, against the winner of Notre Dame vs. Washington. The championship match will begin at 3 p.m. and can be followed through live stats or on Track Tennis. Fans can also catch the action on Cracked Racquets’ YouTube channel, with admission being free to the public.
ITA Kickoff Weekend-Lexington Regional Schedule
Friday, January 27
1 p.m.- (1) Kentucky def. (4) Liberty, 4-0 (Semifinal no. 1)
5 p.m.- (2) Notre Dame vs. (3) Washington (Semifinal (no. 2)
Saturday, January 28
11 a.m.- (4) Liberty vs. Loser of Semifinal no. 2
3 p.m.- (1) Kentucky vs. Winner of Semifinal no. 2
RESULTS
Kentucky vs. Liberty
Doubles
Ayeni/Draxl (UK) def. Wilson/Worst (LIB) 6-3
LeBlanc/Weekes (UK) def. Heaven/Pelletier (LIB) 6-2
Lapadat/Mercer (UK) vs. Miguel/Thomas-Smith (LIB) 5-5 (unfinished)
Singles
Liam Draxl (UK) def. Wilson (LIB) 6-2, 3-6, 6-2
Alafia Ayeni (UK) def. Pelletier (LIB) 6-1, 6-0
Joshua Lapadat (UK) vs. Thomas-Smith 6-1, 6-7 (3), 0-0 (unfinished)
Taha Baadi (UK) def. Worst (LIB) 6-3, 7-6 (4)
Jaden Weekes (UK) vs. Miguel 4-5 (unfinished)
Charlelie Cosnet (UK) vs. Heaven 0-0 (unfinished)
Order of Finish:
Doubles—2, 1
Singles—2, 1, 4