SUMTER, S.C. – All three Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets advanced to the third round of qualifying at the Palmetto Pink Open after picking up wins on Monday in round two. Eight qualifiers will advance into the main draw after Tuesday’s final round of qualifying action.
“It was another successful day for the Jackets,” commented assistant coach Christy Lynch. “It was great to see Vicky [Flores] come out on top against a strong opponent in a three-plus hour match. The temperature and humidity levels are making the matches tougher, but our players are handling it well.”
Opening the morning for the Jackets, Paige Hourigan and Ida Jarlskog both pocketed straight-set matches. Hourigan upended Yana Morar, 6-2, 6-2, while Jarlskog cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 triumph over Kelly WIlliford.
In a three-set battle, freshman Victoria Flores walked away victorious over former Texas A&M All-America Rachel Pierson. Flores grabbed the first set 6-4, but Pierson evened the match claiming the second set, 6-4. In a tight match that lasted over three hours, Flores battled back from an early third set deficit to capture the match with a 6-4 third set win.
“I am glad that I pulled the fight out in the third set to get the win,” noted Flores. “I was down 2-4 in the final set and was able to calm down and refocus to get the victory.”
In the final round of qualifying action tomorrow, Hourigan and Jarlskog will face each other for a spot in the main draw and Flores will take on Kennedy Shaffer, a senior All-America at Georgia. Tuesday’s action gets underway beginning at 9 a.m. For complete results and schedule of play, please click here.
GEORGIA TECH RESULTS AND SCHEDULE OF PLAY
Monday, Oct. 9
Ida Jarlskog (GT) def. Kelly Williford (DOM) 6-1, 6-0
Paige Hourigan (GT) def. Yana Morar (UKR) 6-2, 6-2
Victoria Flores (GT) def. Rachel May Pierson (USA) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4
Tuesday, Oct. 10
Ida Jarlskog (GT) vs. Paige Hourigan (GT)
Victoria Flores (GT) vs. Kennedy Shaffer (USA)
