CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson junior Cristina Mayorova, currently ranked the No. 77 singles player in the nation, earned a win in the first round of qualifying at ITA All-American Championships in Cary, N.C. on Monday.
Battling against Marla Berlanga of Tulsa, Mayorova won in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5. “Cristina got a good win under her belt today,” remarked Assistant Coach Amy Sargeant. “The first match is always tough, especially after a couple practice days, and rain delays, but once she found her feet, she was on a mission to play her game and get the job done. I was impressed with the way she composed herself and finished the match with confidence and on her terms.”
Eleni Louka fell in pre-qualifying to Ohio State’s Ayumi Miyamoto in a hard-fought battle, 4-6, 6-2, 4-6. Her back draw match was abandoned at 3-4, 30-30. “She competed extremely well,” said Sargeant on Louka. “Moving the ball around the court with her forehand and in control for the majority of the match. Despite the result, Eleni showed the level she can compete at and I’m excited for her next opportunity to hit the match court at regionals.”
Mayorova will return to action on Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. when she takes on South Carolina’s No. 42 ranked Ayana Akli.
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