Melrose, Miyazaki Advance at Regionals

STILLWATER, Okla. - Senior Abbi Melrose and freshman Lily Miyazaki advanced to the Round of 16 in the main singles draw of the USTA/ITA Central Regional Championships Friday.

Melrose, the No. 13 overall seed, defeated Jennie Hartjes of Creighton 6-2, 6-3 before defeating Iasmin Rosa of South Dakota State, 6-1, 7-5.

Miyazaki, the No. 3 overall seed, rolled by both of her opponents. She defeated Ema Turudija of Missouri State 6-2, 6-1 before defeating Aspen Cervin of St. Louis 6-3, 6-1.

“Lily and Abbi played within themselves and took care of the important points,” said head coach David Mullins. “They are playing well and are ready for some tough matches tomorrow.”

The Sooners also started strong on the first day of doubles matches, winning three of four in the main draw. The freshmen duo of Brigante and Miyazaki defeated Alexis Czapinski and Lauren Pickens of Kansas, 8-6.

Sophomore Morgan Chumney and junior Emma Devine rolled by Brenda Mercado Jove and Nika Munoz of Oral Roberts, 8-1, while Melrose and junior Zita Engbroks defeated Julia Courter and Rincon-Otero of Minnesota 8-7 (1). Sophomore Ann Pepper and freshman Malene Stripp dropped a tight match to Madison Harrison and Smith Hinton of Kansas, 8-7 (1).

“I was happy to see some progress in doubles in both the wins and the one loss,” said Mullins. “All the teams are looking to be more active and their mindsets are definitely improving.”

Freshman Christie Brigante, Engbroks and Chumney also saw singles action Friday but didn't fare as well.

Brigante won her first round match 6-4, 6-2 over Izabella Zgierska of Nebraska before falling to Kelli Hine of Missouri 6-4, 6-4. Junior Engbroks dropped her opening round match Friday after making it through via qualifying Thursday. She lost to Caroline Ryba of Minnesota 2-6, 6-2, 6-2. Chumney also lost her first round match of the main draw to Paula Rincon-Otero of Minnesota 6-3, 3-6, 7-6

Action continues Saturday at the Michael and Anne Greenwood Tennis Center on the campus of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla. Play resumes at 9 a.m. with two rounds of doubles and one round of singles.

For live scoring, visit:

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http://www.okstate.com/sports/w-tennis/spec-rel/101514aaf.html

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