Purice Advances to Quarterfinals

Norman, Okla.- Oklahoma's No.9 seeded Monica Purice advanced to the quarterfinals of the ITA Regional Friday. She began the day by defeating UALR's Jenna Hirdle 6-3, 6-0. She then continued her winning streak with a 6-1, 6-2 win over the No. 7 seed, Virlana Yrureta of Kansas State.

Oklahoma's No. 2 seeded Gabby Baker began her day with a tough three set match against Oklahoma State's Marta Tsivka. Baker pulled out the win 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, advancing her to the third round. She was then defeated by UA's Maryori Franco 6-4,
6-0.

OU's Irina Lykina battled through her three set second round as well, coming out with a 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8) win over Kansas State's Tamar Kvaratskhelia. She then advanced to the third round where she was defeated 6-1, 6-5 by Tulsa's Carla Zabaleata.

In doubles action the Sooners were forced to default Ann Carter and Baker, who are both in recovery from injury.

“We just thought that two singles matches and a doubles match might be too much for Gabby's knee,” said head coach Mark Johnson. “Ann may have been okay, but she is still recovering from a stress fracture in her foot, so we felt it was best to not push either of them.”

Rachel Cox and Chelsea Orr played a close match with Nebraska's Reimers and Ring in the second round of doubles, but were defeated 8-6.

The Sooners resume play Saturday morning at 8 a.m. in Tulsa.