CHARLESTON, S.C. – Washington State freshman Michaela Bayerlova rallied from a set down to defeat Montserrat Gonzalez, 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 to capture the title at the ITF Charleston tournament Sunday at the LTP Tennis Club.
 
The win was the second career title for Bayerlova, who won the Alkmaar Futures event in Alkmaar, Netherlands in June.
 
"I don't feel I played my best tennis today," said Bayerlova. "But I am proud of the way I fought all week and was able to figure out ways to win. Go Cougs!"
 
Seeded No. 5, Bayerlova faced the tournament's No. 1 seed in Gonzalez in the final. Gonzalez came out strong to open the match, capitalizing on two breaks of serve for a 6-2 first set. In the second, Bayerlova changed the momentum thanks to her return game. The Cougar freshman broke serve five times in the set, winning three-straight games at one point to take it 6-3, extending the match to a third and decisive set.
 
In the third, the two exchanged breaks and it was Bayerlova who had the majority of chances. Leading 4-3, she broke through again on her fifth chance of the game, putting her one game away from the title. After battling back from 15-40 down in the final game, Bayerlova closed the match by winning the final four points for the three-set victory
 
"What an amazing week of tennis for Michaela," said WSU Head Coach Lisa Hart. "I am so proud of how tough she was throughout the week and the way she elevated her game to another level when she needed to."
 
Bayerlova should see her current ranking of 726 jump when rankings are updated Monday. Winning 12 WTA tour points from the victory, Bayerlova could jump into the range of 620-625. Gonzalez entered the match with a world ranking of 438 after achieving a career-best of 150 last December.