Jackie Wu's sensational freshman year came to an end Thursday as she fell to defending national singles champion Amanda McDowell in the first round of the NCAA singles championship in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2.
Head coach Geoff Macdonald accompanied her to the tournament.
"I thought Jackie got a very good experience playing against the defending national champion in the first round," Macdonald said. "(McDowell) hits a very heavy ball and she was able to put Jackie in some tough spots on the court. We are looking forward to a very bright career from Jackie at Vanderbilt."
If her first year was any indication, her career will be more than bright with the Commodores.
Wu was just the fourth freshman in Vanderbilt history to reach the 64-player singles draw of the NCAAs after a 26-9 regular season that saw her knock off nine ranked opponents. She came in the tournament ranked No. 52 in the nation and went as high as No. 21 earlier in the year, mainly playing No. 2 singles, although she also saw time at the 1 and 3 positions.
She was the only Commodore to be ranked in both singles and doubles, as she and fellow freshman Heather Steinbauer also were the No. 43 duo in the nation, knocking off four ranked opponents on the season.
Vanderbilt as a team fell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to Illinois, the first time in 12 seasons that the squad did not advance to the Sweet 16. Eight of nine letterwinners, Wu among them, will be returning next season.
To read a feature on Wu, click here.
