MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Senior Jackie Wu will move on to the finals of the USTA/ITA Ohio Valley Regionals tomorrow after advancing through the quarter- and semifinals today in two hard-fought battles.
She defeated Indiana’s Evgeniya Vertesheva 7-5, 6-3 in the quarterfinals of today’s play, earning a chance at Tennessee’s Natalie Pluskota. Wu topped Pluskota in straight sets, including a first-set tie-breaker.
“What an impressive effort today. I’m so proud of the way Jackie competed against some fantastic opponents,” said assistant coach Aleke Tsoubanos. “To be able to pull out two closely contested matches the way she did took discipline and desire. This is what you expect from a senior and one of your leaders.”
Wu has faced Pluskota before, which factored into her focus on winning the match.
“Going into the match (against Pluskota), I knew it’d be a battle based on our history,” said Wu. “It was really a matter of a few points here and there that made the difference. I was happy with the way I played– I worked hard to set up the points and took advantage of my opportunities when I could. I’m looking forward to another great match tomorrow.”
Wu will play in the championship match Tuesday morning at 10:30 against Tennessee’s Brynn Boren. The winners of the tournament receive an automatic bid to play at the USTA/ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships in New York later this fall.
Monday’s Results:
Semifinals: WU (Vanderbilt) defeats PLUSKOTA (Tennessee) 7-6 (5), 6-4
Quarterfinals: WU (Vanderbilt) defeats VERTESHEVA (Indiana) 7-5, 6-3
