Following a day of competition, Kourtney Keegan, Stefani Stojic, and Belinda Woolcock have all advanced to the singles round of 16 at the USTA Collegiate Clay Court Invitational in Orlando.
After falling in the singles round of 16 at the USTA/ITA Southeast Regional Championships, Stojic came Thursday ready to redeem herself. She was the only Gator to participate in the first round of singles where she defeated Auburn's Ashley Kitchen in three sets, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2.
In the second round of singles, Stojic faced Mia Horvit (USTA) where she won 7-6 (3), 6-1. She will match up against No. 46-ranked Daneika Borthwick of FSU on Friday.
The USTA Collegiate Clay Court Invitational included 14 byes. Woolcock and Keegan both received one in the round of singles. Woolcock won the first set of her match against Marcelina Cichon (Tulsa) 6-2, and Cichon then retired.
Keegan advanced into the singles round of 16 without competing in a single match. Aside from her first-round bye, her second-round opponent withdrew with an injury. She will face the top seed Plaun Burgmans of Auburn.
“It was a good start” assistant coach Dave Balogh said. "There will be tougher matches [Friday] and I’m looking forward to seeing how we handle it.
On the doubles court, Keegan and Stojic will team up for the first time after receiving a first-round bye in the 32-team doubles. Day 2 of the USTA Collegiate Clay Court Invitational will begin Friday with the 16 round of singles followed by consolation singles matches and doubles.
Follow Britneé McCoy on Twitter @TheReporterGirl.
Freshman Kourtney Keegan swings at the ball during the second day of the Bedford Cup on Oct. 11 at the Ring Tennis Complex.
