Oct. 4, 2011
PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. – University of Notre Dame women’s tennis player Shannon Mathews (Birmingham, Mich.) used a three-set victory on Tuesday at the Riviera Tennis Club to advance into the round of 32 of the qualifying bracket at the 2011 Riviera/ITA All-American Championship.
The Irish senior co-captain jumped out to a quick one-set advantage over Georgia’s Nadja Gilchrist winning the opening set, 6-2. Gilchrist, however, would counter Mathews in the second set, securing six consecutive games to even the match at one set apiece. Mathews, the 38th ranked player in the nation according to the ITA standings, would not be deterred as she claimed the third and decisive set of the match, 6-2, to advance to the second round.
Mathews’ second round opponent is South Carolina’s Diana Stojic, who used a three-set victory of her own over Annie Goransson of California (7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3)) to advance. Stojic is ranked 68th in the opening ITA poll.
Be sure to check back with und.com on Wednesday as Mathews looks to move one step closer to earning a spot in the main singles draw, which begins play Thursday. The final eight players remaining from the qualifying draw earn a berth into the main draw.
Riviera/ITA All-American Championship Qualifying Draw
Round of 64:#38 Shannon Mathews (ND) def. #43 Nadja Gilchrist (UGA) 6-2, 0-6, 6-2
Round of 32 Matchup:#38 Shannon Mathews (ND) vs. #68 Diana Stojic (USC)
–ND–