Genie Erokhina and Allison Phillips Advance to PPA Quarters: In a display of resilience and teamwork, Genie Erokhina and Allison Phillips advanced to the women’s doubles quarterfinals with a remarkable 5-11, 11-8, and 11-6 victory over the No. 3 seeds, Etta Wright and Meghan Dizon. The match, filled with tension and dramatic swings, showed the determination and skill of the No. 17 seeds as they fought back after losing the first game.
A Strong Response After a Slow Start
The opening game didn’t go as planned for Erokhina and Phillips. Wright and Dizon, expected to dominate, quickly took control, exploiting their opponents’ initial nerves and taking the first game 11-5. But rather than letting the early setback derail them, Erokhina and Phillips regrouped.
Erokhina, standing tall at six feet, began to assert herself, attacking relentlessly from the air. Meanwhile, Phillips played with aggression on the right side, finding openings and keeping their opponents on their heels.
🚨 UPSET ALERT 🚨
17) Erokhina & Phillips defeat 2) E. Wright & Dizon 5-11, 11-8, 11-6 in the women’s doubles round of 16 👀
— Carvana PPA Tour (@PPAtour) August 30, 2024
Narrowly Avoiding Disaster
The momentum seemed fully in Erokhina and Phillips’ favor as they entered the third and deciding game. After losing the first point, they responded with an incredible run, scoring the next ten points on a single side out, putting them on the brink of victory. The win appeared imminent, with match point after match point in their grasp.
However, what should have been a straightforward finish turned into a nerve-wracking battle. Wright and Dizon, refusing to go down without a fight, began chipping away at the lead, inching closer and closer. The pressure mounted with each missed opportunity, as the score tightened to 6-10. Erokhina and Phillips could feel the match slipping away, the specter of a massive collapse looming.
Sealing the Victory—At Last
But the duo held their nerve. On their fourth match point, Erokhina and Phillips finally broke through, clinching the final point and securing their spot in the quarterfinals. The relief and joy were noticeable as they celebrated their hard-earned victory, having managed to stave off what would have been a heart-wrenching defeat.
The upset sent shockwaves through the tournament, as the No. 17 seeds toppled one of the top-ranked teams in a thrilling contest that had everyone on the edge of their seats.
Looking Ahead: A Tough Road to the Semifinals
With this victory, Erokhina and Phillips move on to face the winner of the match between Hurricane Tyra Black and Parris Todd against Lauren Stratman and Kate Fahey. The road ahead won’t get any easier, but with the confidence gained from this dramatic win, Erokhina and Phillips have shown they can compete with anyone in the tournament. The quarterfinals promise to be another test of their resolve and skill.
News in Brief: Genie Erokhina and Allison Phillips Advance to PPA Quarters
Genie Erokhina and Allison Phillips stunned No. 3 seeds Etta Wright and Meghan Dizon in the women’s doubles round of 16, winning 5-11, 11-8, and 11-6 to advance to the quarterfinals. After dropping the first game, Erokhina’s aggressive aerial play and Phillips’ right-side attacks led to a fierce comeback.
They built a commanding 10-1 lead in the deciding game but faced a tense finish as Wright and Dizon fought back to 6-10. Erokhina and Phillips finally sealed the win on their fourth match point. The No. 17 seeds will next face the winners of Black/Todd vs. Stratman/Fahey.
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