Lady Pirates Successful in Tournament Action Friday

 LEXINGTON, Ky. & WINTER PARK, Fla. - The Armstrong Atlantic State women's tennis teams put together an impressive first day of action at both the University of Kentucky Invitational and the C.L. Varner Memorial on Friday.

In Lexington, Ky., a trio of Lady Pirates all won their first-round matches against Division I opponents. Sona Novakova defeated Penn State's Petra Januskova, 6-4, 6-1, in Flight A singles action, while Alida Muller-Wehlau picked up a 6-1, 7-6 win over Illinois' Amy Allin in Flight B singles action. Martina Beckmann completed the singles sweep in Kentucky with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 win over Louisville's Ashley Irvin in Flight C Singles action.

Doubles for the Pirates were not as successful as the team of Beckmann and Muller-Wehlau lost an 8-4 decision to Vierra and Hardenburgh of Virginia, then lost a 9-7 decision to Haviland and Hubbs of Ohio State in consolation action.

Meanwhile at the C.L. Varner Invitational in Winter Park, Fla., hosted by Rollins College, Tina Ronel advanced to the semifinals of the A Singles bracket with a 6-0, 6-1 win over Monica Price of Florida Tech, as well as a 6-4, 6-3 win over Hillsborough Community College's Olivia Howlett.

In the B Singles bracket, Kathleen Henry is into the semifinals after a 6-2, 6-2 win over Barry's Darina Yablonskaya and a 6-2, 6-0 win over Nova Southeastern's Dana Egoruva. She is joined in the semis by Alisa Kagukina, who picked up a 6-0, 6-1 win over Barry's Mei Jing Ang and a 6-0, 6-1 win over Rollins' Alli Crocker.

The doubles team of Ronel and Henry are in the second round of the A draw after an 8-2 win over Proctor and Spafford of Hillsborough Community College.

Play continues in both events on Saturday and conclude on Sunday.