SAYER ADVANCES TO ROUND OF 32 AT ITA ATLANTIC REGIONAL

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RESULTS

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Natalie Sayer of the Radford women's tennis team pulled out a thrilling three-set victory Saturday afternoon to advance to the round of 32 in the singles main draw at the ITA Atlantic Regional. Virginia Tech is hosting the tournament at its Burrows-Burleson Tennis Center.

Sayer and Maryland's Welma Luus battled for over two hours before the freshman from Hampshire, England broke through in the end. Luus got off to a hot start in the first set en route to a 6-3 victory.

However, Sayer started to find her game late in the opening stanza, which carried over to the next frame. The duo eventually played to a tiebreaker in the second set, which Sayer won (8-6).

In the decisive third set, Sayer and Luus were once again locked in another tight battle. Down 5-4, Sayer tied the frame on her serve then broke Luus' serve to go ahead, 6-5. Sayer closed her opponent out by holding serve to prevail in three sets. In all, Sayer fought off an impressive six match points to keep her hopes alive.

With the victory, Sayer moves on to face Jeltje Loomans of William & Mary in the round of 32 at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Loomans is seeded seventh in the singles main draw.

Grace Sarver and Meg Napolitano were also in action Saturday. Their run in the doubles main draw ended in the round of 16 when Virginia Tech's Francesca Fusinato and Kelly Williford defeated the RU tandem, 8-2.

RADFORD ROUNDUP
Singles – Main Draw (Saturday)
Natalie Sayer, Radford def. Welma Luus, Maryland (3-6, 7-6 (8-6), 7-5))

Doubles – Main Draw (Saturday)
Francesca Fusinato / Kelly Williford, Virginia Tech def. Grace Sarver / Meg Napolitano, Radford (8-2)

Singles – Main Draw (Sunday)
Natalie Sayer, Radford vs. Jeltje Loomans, William & Mary (11:30 a.m.)

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Players Mentioned

Meg Napolitano: 5' 9"; Senior

Grace Sarver: 5' 2"; Junior

Natalie Sayer: 5' 8"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Meg Napolitano
: 5' 9"; Senior

Grace Sarver
: 5' 2"; Junior

Natalie Sayer
: 5' 8"; Freshman