Novakova Advances At ASU Thunderbird Invitational

TEMPE, Ariz. - Freshman Sona Novakova picked up two singles wins in the first day of the Arizona State University Thunderbird Invitational, advancing to the quarterfinals on Friday.

Novakova picked up a 6-2, 6-1 win over Stephany Chang of California in her first round match, then defeated Rika Tatsuno of Michigan, 7-5, 6-4, in the second round to earn a berth in the quarterfinals. She will face No. 4 seed Juliette Coupez of San Diego at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Teammate Alida Muller-Wehlau did not fare as well in the singles, dropping her opening match, 6-4, 6-2, to Denise Muresan of Michigan. She did rebound to defeat Danon Beatty of Fresno State, 6-2, 6-1, in her consolation singles match, and she will face Utah's Anastasia Putilina on Saturday morning.

The two teamed up for doubles action on Friday as well, but lost to the UCLA duo of Walters and Pantic, 8-2, in their only doubles action.

Play continues in singles and doubles on Saturday, with the tournament wrapping up on Sunday.