IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa women’s tennis team carried its momentum from day one over to Friday at the ITA Central Regional Championships. Hawkeye student-athletes won four singles matches and one doubles match at the Hawkeye Tennis & Recreation Complex.
The second day began with a thrilling doubles victory for the duo of Mannix/Gillas. The pair defeated Kansas State’s Turco/Maffei (8-7) to advance to the Round of 16. The two Hawkeyes will face Rice/Cross of Arkansas on Saturday.
Barbora Pokorna made her collegiate debut winning both matches in main draw singles. The freshman defeated Drake’s Darinka Stepan in straight sets (6-2, 6-4). She then faced Ekin Ercetin of Minnesota in the Round 64 and was victorious (7-5, 6-4) to advance to Saturday’s Round 32.
Samantha Mannix played her first singles match of the competition against Saint Louis’ Norhan Hesham and won in straight sets (6-4, 6-4) to advance to the Round 32.
“My opponent from Saint Louis pushed me, said Mannix. “She played really well, and I had to fight through tough points to win. I feel good going into tomorrow. I’m glad I got a match under my belt.”
Samantha Gillas fell to SIUE’s Joran Schifano (6-3, 6-2) in the first round, and moved into the singles consolation bracket. Gillas faced Arkansas State’s Hunter Roper and lost 6-7, 6-2, 8-10.
Vipasha Mehra bounced Omaha’s Addison Miller (7-6, 6-3) in the singles qualifying consolation bracket.
Play is set to start on Saturday at 8 a.m. For live scoring, bracket updates, and other information visit https://hawkeyesports.com/ita-central-regional-championship/.
The tournament continues through Monday, with 27 different schools within the region competing. Admission is free to the public.
SINGLES MAIN DRAW:
R128: Barbora Pokorna (UI) def. Darinka Stepan (DU): 6-2, 6-4
R128: Joran Schifano (SIUE) def. Samantha Gillas (UI): 6-3, 6-2
R64: Samantha Mannix (UI) def. Norhan Hesham (SLU): 6-4,6-4
R64: Barbora Pokorna (UI) def. Ekin Ercetin (MINN): 7-5, 6-4
SINGLES CONSOLATION BRACKET:
Hunter Roper def. Samantha Gillas: 7-6, 2-6, 10-8
Vipasha Mehra (UI) def. Addison Miller (UNO): 7-6(3), 6-3
DOUBLES MAIN DRAW:
R32: Mannix/Gillas (UI) def. Turco/Maffei (KSU): 8-7(5)