Univ. of Miami (Florida) Team Page

TAMPA  - The University of Miami women's tennis team closed out its fall schedule in impressive fashion on Sunday, claimed both the singles and doubles titles at the 2012 Florida State Championship, also known as the Bedford Cup, held at USF's Varsity and P.E. courts.

In her first semester of college, Kelsey Laurente has proven that she has all the tools to compete at the highest level. She added an individual title to put on her mantle Sunday. The Miramar, Fla., native defeated Florida State's Amy Sargeant, 6-1-6-4, in the singles final.

"Kelsey displayed incredible toughness in her four matches today," Miami head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews said. "I'm happy to see her claim her first collegiate title."

Earlier in the day, in her semifinal match, Laurente needed only two sets to take down another Seminole, Mia Vriens (6-3, 6-2).

In the day's first semifinal match, Nicolle Stracar nearly forced a third set, but came up just short in the second-set tie-break, 6-3, 7-6 (4), to Sargeant.

"Nicky had a great weekend and was able to get some solid tennis under her belt," Yaroshuk-Tews added. "She is moving in the right direction"

The doubles teams of Brittany Dubins and Stracar (8-2) and Lina Lileikite and Laurente (8-5), each won their semifinal matches and face one another in the final. Dubins and Stracar clinched the title by an 8-5 score.

"Dubins showed her experience on the doubles court today," Yaroshuk-Tews said. "She stayed calm mentally yet aggressive physically.  The team of Dubins and Stracar looked really good tonight.  I was happy to see our team showing a great amount of respect towards each other in such a competitive setting."