Lady Ospreys learn during season opener

Friday, September 19

Charleston, S.C.

All Day

University of North Florida

College of Charleston Fall Invitational Day 1

Sophomore Victoria Krook finished 10th in the A2 singles bracket

9/23/2008 4:02:00 PM | Women's Tennis

UNF returns to action hosting the UNF Fall Invitational, starting Oct. 10

By: Adam Jonson, UNF Athletics

College of Charleston Invitational complete results

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Sophomore Lauren Holton led the charge for the University of North Florida women's tennis team at the College of Charleston Fall Invitational, where the Lady Ospreys faired well to open their fall season.

"This was a great tournament for us to start our fall season," UNF head coach Rodrigo Puebla said. "We faced some tough competition that really challenged us, but at the same time, we were able to compete and build confidence."

Holton, a transfer from Appalachian State, opened play in the B1 singles bracket with a 7-1 tiebreaker win in her first set before finishing the match with a 6-2 second set win. She moved to the semifinals via a straight sets win, posting a score of 6-3 in both, before falling 7-5, 6-1. Holton eased into a third-place finish in the bracket with a 6-2, 6-1 win in the consolation bracket.

"Lauren played very well and I'm extremely pleased with her performance," Puebla said. "She will be a valuable asset for our team this season."

Freshman Aline Berkenbrock won her first round match of the A1 singles bracket (6-2, 2-6, 6-2), and after falling in the second round, won two more for a seventh place finish in the bracket. Senior Ina Durcakova fell in the first round of the same bracket but rattled off three consecutive wins and finished ninth.

"Ina had a great weekend," Puebla said. "She faced some great players, and it was good to see her come back after a loss and win the back end of her bracket."

Sophomore Victoria Krook and freshman Nikita Van Lierop provided presence in the A2 singles bracket for the Lady Ospreys. Krook dropped her first-round match but battled back for a 10^th place finish, winning her next two matches before falling in the match for ninth place. Van Lierop stumbled in her first three matches of the bracket but regrouped and finished play in the bracket with a three-set win.

"We showed some nerves and played hesitantly at first, but that is expected with a young team," Puebla said. "Through the weekend, we relaxed and became more comfortable, and our level of play really improved."

Holton and Van Lierop teamed for the A2 doubles bracket, gathering a fourth-place finish after a first-round win and two losses. Durcakova and Berkenbrock entered the A1 doubles bracket, finishing fifth. The pair dropped its first match but rallied for two straight wins. Krook paired with athletes from Barry and East Carolina in the B2 doubles-round robin bracket, winning both matches.

For complete results, visit the College of Charleston Invitational results page.

The Lady Ospreys serve it up again when they host the UNF Fall Invitational beginning Oct. 10. The three-day event will feature men's and women's action and will bring more than 25 teams to the UNF Tennis Complex. For more information, visit the UNF Fall Invitational homepage.