Brigante Advances in Orlando

NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma women's tennis freshman Christie Brigante advanced to the Round of 16 at the USTA Collegiate Clay Court Invitational Thursday in Orlanda, Fla., by defeating Reka Muller of Auburn 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

The Weston, Fla., native will play Isabella Fernandez of Stetson in the Round of 16 of the B Draw tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m.

“Christie really got better with each set and by the end was playing some outstanding tennis,” OU head coach David Mullins said. “She played her best to close out the second and third sets which is never easy to do.”

Senior Abbi Melrose and freshman Lily Miyazaki participated in the A Draw but did not fare as well as Brigante. Melrose lost to the No. 7 overall seed, Daneika Borthwick of Florida State, 6-2, 7-5. Miyazaki dominated the first set, but lost to the No. 4 overall seed, Kerrie Cartwright of Florida State, 1-6, 6-1, 6-2.

“Lily and Abbi lost to two very good college players,” Mullins said. “They showed they can compete at this level, and they just need to believe more in themselves that they can beat these players.”

The doubles team of Brigante and Miyazaki lost their only match of the day to Marika Akkerman and Cassandra Vasquez of North Carolina, 8-6.

The rest of the team will begin play at the Jason's Deli Collegiate Invitational in Houston, Texas, Friday. Each player will compete in one singles match and one doubles match.

For more information from Orlando, visit Seminoles.com or follow@2014_CCI on Twitter.