DUBLIN, Ireland — Rising junior Ruth Copas of The University of New Mexico women’s tennis team has been selected as one of four players to play for Ireland in the 2017 Fed Cup. Copas joins Sophia Derivan, Georgia Drummy and Jennifer Timotin on the team.
Copas will participate in the 2017 Fed Cup. Ireland participates in the Europe/Africa Zone, and is a part of Group III. Ireland’s opponent hasn’t been announced yet, but the Group III matches will take place from June 12-17 at the National Tennis School & Tennis Bluc in Acvila, Chisinau, Moldova. Unlike what Copas is used to in collegiate tennis, the Fed Cup matches will be played on clay courts.
Yvonne Doyle will serve as the team captain for Ireland. Group III has 18 countries, which will broken up into four pools, two with four teams, two with five teams. The four pool winners face off, with the winners earning promotion to Europe/Africa Zone Group II in 2018. Overall, Ireland has competed in the Fed Cup since 1964, with its best showing coming in 1972, making it to the Round of 16.
“This is a tremendous honor for Ruth,” said head coach Stephanie Wooten-Quijada. “Being selected for the Fed Cup is one of the top honors a tennis player can get, and the competition and experiences gained will only help our program out. I’m really excited for Ruth.”
Copas went 11-16 for the Lobos last season, but was 7-4 in the Fall before playing all the way up at No. 1 and No. 2 for much of the Spring. Last summer she won the National Indoors, defeating Karola Bejenaru and the Irish Close. She will be the lone junior (and only upperclassman) on the women’s tennis team next year, which will see at least five incoming freshmen joins the squad.
Copas Selected to Play for Team Ireland in Fed Cup
