SALT LAKE CITY – Utah women’s tennis’ Marcela Lopez competed at the ITA Fall Nationals tournament over the weekend and came away with a 2-2 record.
“I am incredibly proud of how Marcela competed and executed at this tournament and how her fall has gone overall,” said head coach Ric Mortera. “She has really taken to heart the challenge of continuing to build her game to a high level and has shown a ton of growth. I think this past week has only furthered our collective confidence and belief that she belongs and can compete at an elite level. We look forward to getting back to work and continuing to focus on improving.”
Lopez first took on Salma Djoubri from Lynn University in the Round of 32. Lopez battled and forced extra games in the second set but fell 6-3, 7-5.
In the consolation Round of 32 she defeated Noesjkaa Brink from Wyoming in a rematch from the ITA Regional Finals. In the Regional Finals Lopez fell to Brink 6-4, 4-6, 3-6. In the Fall Nationals, Lopez walked away with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Brink.
In the consolation Round of 16 Lopez had a bye sending her to the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals Lopez defeated No. 18 Tanya Sasnouskaya from Texas with scores of 6-4, 6-1.
Lopez’s run in the ITA Fall Nationals came to an end in the semifinal round as she fell 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 to No. 26 Connie Ma from Stanford.
Lopez was the first Ute to earn a spot in the ITA Fall Nationals in the Pac-12 Era.
UP NEXT
The Utes have one more fall competition and will head to UNLV Nov. 10-12.
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FULL RESULTS
Round of 32: Salma Djoubri (Lynn) def. Marcela Lopez (Utah) 6-3 7-5
Round of 32 Consolation: Marcela Lopez (Utah) def. Noesjkaa Brink (Wyo) 6-3 6-2
Round of 16 Consolation: Bye
Quarterfinals Consolation: Marcela Lopez (Utah) def. #18 Tanya Sasnouskaya (Texas) 6-4 6-1
Semifinals Consolation: #26 Connie Ma (Stanford) def. Marcela Lopez (Utah) 4-6 6-1 6-3
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