Sept. 16, 2011

PROVO, Utah - Utah State women's tennis team opened its fall season at the BYU Invitational in Provo. USU had five players advance into the round of 16 and three into the quarterfinals, as it competed against in-state foes from Weber State and BYU.

The USU duo of junior Kristina Voytsekhovich and junior Jaclyn West defeated Brigham Young's tandem of Andie Young and Tessa Washburn, 8-2, on their way to the doubles semifinal on Saturday. Advancing out of the opening round of doubles action for the Aggies were senior Romina Nedakovich and freshman Kimberly Watts, freshman McKenzie Davis and senior Brianna (Harris) Rowland, as well as senior Monica Abella and junior Mersadi Wilkins. Voytsekhovich and West were the only Utah State duo to advance out of the quarterfinals.

West also advanced to the quarterfinals in today's action where she faced BYU's Morgan Anderson, where she was defeated in straight-sets, 6-3, 6-0. En route to the quarterfinals, West defeated the Cougar's Tessa Washburn. In a fierce opening set, West gained control late to win the set, 6-3. Using the momentum gain in the first set, West shut Washburn out in the second set, 6-0.

Also reaching the quarterfinals for USU was Voytsekhovich and Davis. Voytsekhovich lost in straight sets to Desiree Tran from BYU, 6-0, 6-1. Davis battled to the brink against BYU's Megan Price but fell short in the tie-breaking third set, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3. Price advanced into the finals later that day.

Nedakovic, Wilkins and Watt all fell in the round of 16 in straight sets. Nedakovic was defeated by fellow Aggie Davis. Wilkins and Watts both fell to Cougars, Price and Desiree Tran.

The tournament continues Saturday at 10 a.m. at the BYU Outdoor Tennis Courts south of the soccer field. Admission is free and open to the public. Parking is available all day Saturday in the "Y Lot" parking lots.

Utah State women's tennis will next compete in the Boise State Invitation from September 30, 2011 to October 2, 2011. The invitation will be played in Boise, Idaho.