Huang Advances To Finals at ITA Regionals

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - University of Colorado tennis freshman Linda Huang advanced to the finals at the ITA Regionals here Saturday.

WHAT HAPPENED:
Freshman Linda Huang is making a statement in her first ITA Regional tournament. She has defeated five opponents to earn her way into the finals matchup.

Huang's quarterfinal match against Herrero of Nevada was a marathon going for two hours and 45 minutes. But the freshman hung tough and competed all the way to the end to pull out the win 7-6, 5-7, 6-2 and advance to the semifinals.

Linda went on to battle the No. 1 seed in Julia O'Laughlin from DU in the semifinals. Head coach Nicole Kenneally credits Huang's physicality that kept her in the match and ultimately to the win. Huang took home the match victory with a 7-6, 6-7, 6-2 score.

Huang will take on Petrei from Idaho in the finals match on Sunday around 11:00 a.m.

TOP HALF SINGLES DRAW:
Huang (Colo) def. Herrero (Nevada) 7-6, 5-7, 6-2

Huang (Colo) def. No. 1 O'Laughlin (DU) 7-6, 6-7, 6-2

QUOTABLE Head Coach Nicole Kenneally
"In Linda's first match she stepped up as she was playing the defending champ of the tournament and competed hard and continued to find a way to stay competitive. Her opponent continually came at her and Linda stayed strong and capitalized when she had opportunities.

"In the second match, she played a very seasoned player in Julia. Julia fought really hard and provided herself the best opportunity, at times Linda made it more difficult on herself than she needed to but ultimately used her physicality in the third set and snuck away for the victory."

"Today, Linda was on the court for approximately six hours so we are getting her ready for tomorrow."