When the Idaho women’s tennis team traveled to Las Vegas Tuesday, it was hoping to make a splash in one of the largest collegiate preseason tournaments in the nation.
After the first day of play, the team succeeded in accomplishing that goal.
The Vandals opened up the ITA Mountain Regional Tournament by advancing five players in the singles tournament during the first day of play.
Idaho also went undefeated in doubles play on Wednesday, with three Vandal duos advancing to the second round of the tournament.
Sophomores Ana Batiri and Lucia Badillos each defeated their respective opponents in two sets, reaching the second round of singles play. The pair also combined for a victory in doubles play, defeating Jessica Brycki and Angelina Philippova of Montana State 8-6.
Senior Belen Barcenilla and freshman Maria Tavares also combined for a victory in doubles play, defeating Northern Arizona duo Emelia Box and Jordan Denesik early Wednesday morning. In singles play, both advanced to the second round after defeating top opponents from Utah State and Colorado State.
Overall, the Vandals went 5-1 during singles matches Wednesday, placing the program in a strong position to advance several players deep into the tournament this weekend.
The team also rebounded from its struggles in doubles play at the Washington State Invitational two weeks ago, as all three Vandal duos emerged victorious in tightly contested matches.
The ITA Mountain Regional Tournament is comprised of 128 players from 18 different programs, all vying for an opportunity to showcase their skills and improve their current rankings.
The winners of the singles and doubles championships will advance to the National Intercollegiate Indoor Championships in Flushing, New York, Nov. 6.
The Vandals are one of four Big Sky programs participating in the regional tournament. Other Big Sky programs include Montana State, Northern Arizona and Northern Colorado, who are all hoping to represent the Mountain Region at the national championship next month.
The tournament is set to continue throughout the weekend, consisting of elimination matches Friday and Saturday. The tournament will conclude Sunday with the singles and doubles championships, as well as consolation matches.
Josh Grissom can be reached at [email protected]