HILTON HEAD, S.C. -- Washington State tennis student-athlete Michaela Bayerlova rallied from a set down to post a three-set victory and advance to the semifinals Friday at the ITA Hilton Head tournament at the Van Der Meet Shipyard Racquet Club.
Bayerlova, seeded No. 3 and ranked No. 601 in the world, was facing unseeded Peyton Stearns in the quarterfinals. Stearns won the first set, 6-4, and held a 5-3 lead in the second before Bayerlova's comeback began. She won three-straight games before Stearns forced a tiebreaker. After saving one match point down 7-6 in the breaker, the Cougar sophomore won the next three points to even the match at a set apiece.
In the third set, Bayerlova captured two quick breaks of serve to lead 3-0 as she cruised to the 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 win.
Bayerlova will face doubles partner Rasheeda McAdoo in Saturday's semifinal. McAdoo, seeded No. 6, is currently ranked a career-best No. 775 in the world.
In doubles play, Bayerlova and McAdoo fell to Allura and Maribella Zamarripa6-3, 6-1 in the semifinals.
Play continues Saturday at the Van Der Meet Shipyard Racquet Club.
Bayerlova, seeded No. 3 and ranked No. 601 in the world, was facing unseeded Peyton Stearns in the quarterfinals. Stearns won the first set, 6-4, and held a 5-3 lead in the second before Bayerlova's comeback began. She won three-straight games before Stearns forced a tiebreaker. After saving one match point down 7-6 in the breaker, the Cougar sophomore won the next three points to even the match at a set apiece.
In the third set, Bayerlova captured two quick breaks of serve to lead 3-0 as she cruised to the 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 win.
Bayerlova will face doubles partner Rasheeda McAdoo in Saturday's semifinal. McAdoo, seeded No. 6, is currently ranked a career-best No. 775 in the world.
In doubles play, Bayerlova and McAdoo fell to Allura and Maribella Zamarripa6-3, 6-1 in the semifinals.
Play continues Saturday at the Van Der Meet Shipyard Racquet Club.