LUBBOCK, Texas – Florida women's tennis junior
McCartney Kessler won her fourth match of the tournament and classmate
Victoria Emma added her first victory of the fall, as both Gators secured a spot in the round of 16 with wins Wednesday at the McLeod Tennis Center on the campus of Texas Tech University.
Kessler, who ascended into the tournament's main draw with three-straight wins in the qualifying round, continued her momentum with a gritty 6-1, 7-6 (4) victory over prep player Jaedan Brown. After taking the opening stanza convincingly, Kessler was met with more resistance in the second and trailed 6-5 late, but rallied back to secure a spot in the second round of the 32-player showcase.
Emma, picking up where she left off following her success this summer, battled to a win in straight sets over Anastasia Nefedova. After claiming a tight opening stanza 7-6, Emma cruised in set two, 6-3, to defeat the 21-year old pro player.
Just seven collegiate players remain in the pool of 16 and Florida accounts for two of those spots.
Main draw action continues on Thursday as Kessler is set to take on University of Miami's Sofia Sewing while Emma squares off with Jessica Livianu of St. John's.
For more information on the event,
click here.
Quotes from the Court – Assistant Coach Lauren Embree
"Victoria came out firing today and I was happy with the way she handled the ups and downs of the match. Her opponent made a lot of balls so it was important for her to construct the points the way she wanted to and play the points on her terms. Tomorrow will be another good test and she's looking forward to the battle."
"McCartney has some strong momentum going into matches now during this week and she used it to her advantage today. In the second set when it got close, she played the important points well and that was key. She's really improving on the little things and it's making a big difference with her play."
Results Wednesday, Sept. 18
Main Draw First Round
Emma def. Nefedova, 7-6 (5), 6-3
Kessler def. Brown, 6-1, 7-6 (4)
Updated Draws Thursday, Sept. 19
Main Draw Second Round
Kessler vs. Sewing - 11 a.m. ET
Emma vs. Livianu - Not before 1 p.m. ET
W15 Lubbock Information
Sunday, Sept. 15 - Sunday Sept. 22
McLeod Tennis Center, Lubbock, Texas
Hosted by Texas Tech University
ITF World Tennis Tour
Tournament home page
Gators Competing
Junior McCartney Kessler
Junior Victoria Emma
FOLLOW THE GATORS
SOCIAL: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
JOIN THE CONVERSATION: #GoGators
