The Hokies come into this first round matchup looking to snap an eight-match losing streak to advance to the second round for the first time since the 2020-21 campaign.
Özlem Uslu has been a force for Tech this season compiling a 16-5 record with five nationally ranked wins. The freshman phenom was named ACC Player of the Week in the beginning of April following a 2-0 weekend that included wins against No. 7 Carol Lee of Georgia Tech and a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, victory over Clemson’s Eleni Louka. Uslu was listed as the No. 49 player in this weeks ITA poll.
Last time the Tigers and Hokies clashed Tech battled back from a 3-1 hole to tie the match at three all to set up a decisive match on court two. Tamara Barad Itzhaki put forth a valiant effort taking the first set after winning the tiebreak but couldn’t put together complete set, falling in the third set, 7-5, giving Clemson the 4-3 win.
The Tigers come into the tournament on a four-match losing streak with their most recent loss coming against Florida State on Senior Day, 4-1. Clemson has two singles players that are ranked within the ITA rankings, No. 113 Daniella Medvedeva and No. 124 Eleni Louka.
Medvedeva leads the Tigers this season with a 17-5 record in singles highlighted by an impressive 4-1 mark against ranked opponents.
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