Bulldogs Collect Four Wins on Day One at ITA All-Americans

Saturday, September 19

Cary, NC

University of Georgia

ITA All American Championships

Bulldogs Collect Four Wins on Day One at ITA All-Americans

September 19, 2026 | Women's Tennis

Cary, N.C. — Georgia picked up three singles victories and one doubles win Saturday at the ITA All-American Championships, with Bella Payne, Patricija Paukstyte and Nadia Lagaev advancing through the first day of pre-qualifying. Payne and Paukstyte also teamed up to earn a doubles victory.

Fast Facts:

Payne defeated Harper Stone of Clemson in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3.
Ava Rodriguez battled Lucie Urbanova of Wisconsin through three-sets before falling, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.
Paukstyte defeated Washington's Alexia Jacobs 6-3, (7)8-6.
Lagaev cruised past Kentucky's Georgia Kulevich, 6-2, 6-1.
In doubles, Payne paired up with Paukstyte to defeat Charlotte's Andrea Chacon and Shona Nakano 6-2, 6-4.
Rodgriguez and Lagaev fell to Marshall's Isabella Walker and Alina Makrynska 6-3, 7-5.

Tournament Info:

The All-American Championships serve as a qualifying event for the 2026 NCAA Singles and Doubles Championships at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex later this fall.
Ten singles players (eight main draw quarterfinalists and two consolation finalists) and five doubles teams (four main draw semifinalists and consolation champion) will earn spots through this tournament.
Pre-qualifying action will take place Sept. 19-20 followed by qualifying from Sept. 21-22 and lastly, the main draw will run from Sept. 23-27.

Today's results:
Singles:
Lucie Urbanova (WIS) def. Ava Rodriguez (UGA): 6-3, 1-6, 6-3
Bella Payne (UGA) def. Harper Stone (CLEM): 6-2, 6-3
Patricija Paukstyte (UGA) def. Alexia Jacobs (WASH): 6-3, (7)8-6
Nadia Lagaev (UGA) def. Georgia Kulevich (UK): 6-2, 6-1

Doubles:
Bella Payne/Patricija Paukstyte (UGA) def. Andrea Chacon/Shona Nakano (UNCC): 6-2, 6-4
Isabella Walker/Alina Mokrynska (MARSH) def. No. 9 Ava Rodriguez/Nadia Lagaev (UGA): 6-3, 7-5

Up Next:
Payne will face San Diego State's Tea Lukic, while Lagaev will take on Purdue's Nehir Dogan at 9 a.m. Paukstyte will follow against Columbia's Gayathri Krishnon at 10:30 a.m. Payne and Paukstyte will continue day two of doubles pre-qualifying against Penn State's Patricia Grigoras and Maelie Monfils at 4:30 p.m. Rodriguez will also compete in consolation singles, while Lagaev will join her in consolation doubles.

ITA All-Americans
Date: Sept. 19-27
Location: Cary, N.C.
Site: Cary Tennis Park
Tournament Central Page: LINK HERE
Live Stream: LINK HERE

Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Bulldogs by following UGA Women's Tennis on X @UGAWomensTennis, on Instagram @UGAWomensTennis, and on Facebook @GeorgiaWomensTennis or check out information online at GeorgiaDogs.com.