UF freshman Stefani Stojic fell to USF’s Olaya Garrido-Riyas in her collegiate debut.
Stojic lost 7-6, 6-1 in the Gators' first round of singles at the Bedford Cup at the Ring Tennis Complex. As the end of the first set neared, she could not get her serve going, and Garrido-Riyas took immediate advantage.
“I’ve been dealing with a shoulder injury, so I think my serve is what let me down today,” Stojic said.
Stojic has been battling shoulder tendinitis throughout the year. Despite the shoulder injury, she did not want to make excuses.
“I have to be more consistent and not give up as many points as I did today, as well as work on my serve,” she said.
The Australia native also said the different conditions in America would take some time getting used to.
Overall, Stojic was glad to finally play in her first collegiate match.
“I haven’t played in a tournament since around April from what I remember,” Stojic said. “It wasn’t by far my best match, but felt good to be back out there.”
She also said she is excited about Friday; she sees it as a chance to redeem herself. Stojic was expected to play in the singles consolation today, but she was notified that she had a first-round bye.
On Friday morning, the rest of the competing Gators will join Stojic on the court. Kourtney Keegan and Belinda Woolcock will team up alongside Olivia Janowicz and Stojic for the opening doubles.
“Olivia and I teamed up for the first time [Wednesday] in training and it went really well,” Stojic said. “So hopefully we’ll be fine.”
The second round of doubles will begin Friday at 9 a.m. at the Ring Tennis Complex, followed by the third round of singles and the single quarterfinals.
Follow Britneé McCoy on Twitter @TheReporterGirl.
