UT junior Aeriel Ellis defeats Clemson’s eighth-ranked Josipa Bek in straight sets, advances to round of 16.
PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. – Texas junior Aeriel Ellis posted a straight-set win over Clemson’s eighth-ranked Josipa Bek and advanced to the second round of the main singles draw Thursday at the ITA All-American Championships, one of three national championship events on the college tennis calendar.
The 14th-ranked Ellis (Hayward, Calif.) dealt Bek a 7-6, 6-4 defeat to advance to the round of 16 in the main singles draw. It marked the first main singles draw victory for Ellis in her third appearance at the ITA All-American Championships.
“Aeriel played very tough tennis today,” UT head coach Patty Fendick-McCain said. “Josipa Bek is extremely talented and has a lot of experience. This is another great win for Aeriel.”
Ellis, who has qualified to compete in the main singles draw at all seven national championship events contested during her time as a Longhorn, earned ITA singles All-America honors last season by way of her two singles victories accumulated at the 2011 NCAA Championships.
Ellis will take on Arizona State’s Jacqueline Cako in Friday’s round of 16 at a time to be announced.
ITA All-American Championships
Singles Round of 32
#14 Aeriel Ellis (UT) def. #8 Josipa Bek (Clemson) – 7-6, 6-4
