SUMTER, S.C. – Freshman Victoria Flores advanced to the second round of the Palmetto Pink Open after securing a triumph on Wednesday in the opening round. The ITF Women’s Circuit event is being played at the Palmetto Tennis Center.
“I’m really proud of the way Vicky [Flores] and Ida [Jarlskog] fought today,” said assistant coach Christy Lynch. “Ida played a tough opponent and was very close to winning in the second set, but couldn’t quite close it out. Vicky was able to work her way back into the match and physically was a lot stronger than her opponent down the stretch in the third set. Both of our freshmen have shown they can play at a very high level. We’re excited for Vicky and looking forward to tomorrow’s match.”
Classmates Flores and Ida Jarlskog each opened main draw action on Wednesday in the first round after winning three qualifying matches earlier in the week. Both Jackets faced tough battles in the opening round, each going into the third set.
Flores opened her match against Chieh-Yu Hsu dropping the first set, 6-2, and trailed 1-4 in the second set before digging down and battling back. After fighting off several game points to eliminate going down 5-1, Flores took the next point and used the momentum to erase her deficit and grab a 5-4 lead. Hsu was forced to take a medical timeout before Flores grabbed the second set 7-5 to even the match. The Jacket held a comfortable lead in the third set, 4-0, before Hsu was forced to retire from the match.
“I’m happy to survive another day and get a chance to work on my game more tomorrow,” said Flores after the match. “For the third day in a row, I’ve come back from a deficit. My fitness has been paying off down the stretch and I’ve been able to break down my opponents.”
Jarlskog also took her opponent, Julia Elbaba, to three sets on Wednesday. The Lund, Sweden native took the first set 6-3, and held a 4-3 advantage in the second set, but Elbaba was able to pull out a comeback in the second set, 6-4. Elbaba captured the third set, 6-2, to walk away with the victory.
Flores faces Victoria Rodriguez in the second round on Thursday. For complete results and schedule of play, please click here.
GEORGIA TECH RESULTS AND SCHEDULE OF PLAY
Wednesday, Oct. 11
Julia Elbaba (USA) def. Ida Jarlskog (GT) 3-6, 6-4, 6-2
Victoria Flores (GT) def. Chieh-Yu Hsu (TPE) 2-6, 7-5, 4-0 (ret.)
Thursday, Oct. 12
Victoria Flores (GT) vs. Victoria Rodriguez (MEX)
