PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. (Oct.4, 2005) -- Olga Boulytcheva and Lauren Jones won both matches they played in the qualifying round of the ITA Women's All-American Championships Tuesday, earning the right to play again Wednesday.
The first day of competition showcased some unbelievable tennis. Boulytcheva and Jones showed no signs of holding back as they faced off against some of the best players in the nation. The two Cougars will now be playing for the chance to advance to the main draw of the competition, taking them one step closer to the championship matches.
Jones opened the tournament playing well and beating her opponent from Baylor. The win set Jones up for a match against an opponent from Florida, the No. 2 team in the nation. Jones played two tough sets, splitting with the Gator 5-7, 6-3. Finally, Jones pulled out the victory in a fantastic final-set tiebreaker 7-6.
"This was a huge win for Lauren," said coach Craig Manning. "What an unbelievable match."
Much of the same was had by Boulytcheva. She started the day by beating the No. 36 player in the country Ashley Bentley from Alabama. The impressive victory let Boulytcheva move on to the second round where she gutted out a tough-fought two set victory 7-5, 7-6.
"Olga has played a lot of good tennis so far," Manning said of the senior. "She's done a great job doing what she's had to do, and she pulled out a good win."
However, the Cougars didn't win all the matches they played. The doubles team of Lauren Jones and Dolly Chang couldn't get past their first match, losing to a duo from USC. Jones and Chang aren't finished, though, as they will now compete in the back draw starting Wednesday. Manning said the loss does nothing to lessen all his team has done up to this point in the tournament and he is proud of the way they are playing.
"The girls have done a fantastic job," he said. "I couldn't be happier."
The ITA Women's All-American Championships continue Wednesday and run through Oct. 9. The tournament is being hosted by the Riviera Tennis Club.