TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – University of Florida women's tennis junior
McCartney Kessler continued her impressive run at the ITA Southeast Regional Championships hosted by Florida State, notching a pair of victories Sunday to secure a spot in Monday's main draw title match.
The junior defeated Georgia Tech's Victoria Flores in the quarterfinals and followed that up with a victory over nationally-ranked Martina Kudelova of FAU in the semifinal round to lock up an appearance in the regional finale for the second straight season.
Kessler, who has yet to drop a set on the tournament, has rattled off five consecutive wins for the second time this fall.
The two-time All-SEC performer will square off against Georgia freshman Lea Ma for the southeast regional crown Monday. Ma, one of the top recruits in the 2019 class, was ranked fifth on the ITA's Division I Top Freshmen/Newcomers list back in September.
No. 23 Kessler opened the day with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Georgia Tech junior Victoria Flores.
Her win set the stage for a round of four matchup with No. 51 Kudelova. After a break in play, Kessler battled to a 6-2, 6-4 win over the FAU sophomore.
Kessler has now reached the ITA Southeast Regional Championship finale in each of the last two seasons. A season ago, Kessler battled teammate
Ida Jarlskog in Atlanta, falling in a three-set thriller.
Over her last 11 matches played at ITA Regional events, Kessler holds a 10-1 mark.
By advancing to the title match, Kessler secured a spot in the ITA Fall National Championships.
For Kessler, Sunday marked her third win over a ranked foe this fall season and her win total swells to 15.
Quotes from the Court – Assistant Coach Lauren Embree
Takeaways
"McCartney played two tough opponents today and two opponents with very different game styles. She is making great decisions on the court with how she is wanting to construct the points in her favor, and on the big points it's paying off. Her mental game is improving with each match, and in turn helping her tennis game. Tomorrow will be a great test, and we are looking forward to the battle."
Results
Sunday, Oct. 20
Singles Main Draw Quarterfinals
No. 23
McCartney Kessler def. Victoria Flores (Georgia Tech), 6-4, 6-3
Singles Main Draw Semifinals
No. 23
McCartney Kessler def. No. 51 Martina Kudelova (FAU), 6-2, 6-4
Schedule
Monday, Oct. 21
Singles Main Draw Final
No. 23
McCartney Kessler vs. Lea Ma (Georgia) (Match time to be announced)
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