CARY, N.C. – The UCF women’s tennis team wrapped up competition at the ITA All-American Championships following six days of action at the Cary Tennis Park. Marta Makarova and Jantje Tilbuerger combined for five wins throughout the tournament, highlighted by Tilbuerger earning a spot in the main draw and Makarova picking up the first three victories of her UCF career.
Pre-Qualifying – Sept. 19-20
Makarova opened her first tournament in the Black and Gold with three consecutive victories in the pre-qualifying draw.
The freshman opened play Friday with a straight-set victory over Indiana’s Ameia Sorey, 6-2, 6-4, for her first collegiate win.
Makarova carried the momentum into Saturday, taking down Miami’s Dominika Podhajecka, 6-3, 6-1, before facing No. 20 Esha Velaga of Penn with a spot in the qualifying draw on the line.
After splitting the opening two sets, Makarova took control in the third to secure a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 victory and advance out of pre-qualifying.
Qualifying – Sept. 21-22
Makarova returned to the court Sunday against No. 14 Alexis Nguyen of North Carolina. Following a tight opening set, Makarova pushed the second to a tiebreak before falling, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), concluding her first tournament as a Knight with a 3-1 record.
No. 10 Tilbuerger began her run in the qualifying draw the same day, opening against Velaga. Tilbuerger battled through three sets to secure a 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 victory and move within one win of the main draw.
Facing No. 17 Valerie Shue of Texas Tech on Monday, Tilbuerger once again went the distance. After Shue forced a deciding third set, Tilbuerger responded with a dominant final frame to take the match, 6-4, 5-7, 6-1, and earn her spot in the main draw.
Main Draw – Sept. 23-24
Tilbuerger opened main-draw action Tuesday against Wisconsin’s Ekaterina Ivanova. The two battled through a tight opening set before Ivanova took the match, 7-5, 6-3.
Moving into the consolation draw Wednesday, Tilbuerger matched up with No. 6 Jana Hossam Salah of Florida. Tilbuerger pushed her opponent throughout the second set but ultimately fell, 6-3, 7-5, bringing her run in Cary to a close.
Tilbuerger finished the tournament 2-2, while Makarova went 3-1 in her UCF debut. The pair combined for a 5-3 record at the ITA All-American Championships.
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