Pepperdine University
USTA/ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championship
Guillermo Victorious in Opening Round of National Indoors
11/6/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
FLUSHING, N.Y. - Senior Lorraine Guillermo of the Pepperdine women's tennis team opened play today at the USTA/ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships, held at the home of the U.S. Open in New York. Guillermo was pushed to the brink, but held on for an exciting three-set win to advance to the round of 16.
Guillermo (Walnut, Calif./Rowland HS), ranked #20 in the ITA singles rankings, was faced with #78 Blair Shankle out of Baylor in the opening round.
Although Shankle won the first set to gain the opening edge, Guillermo rallied back to take the second, 6-4.
The two battled for every hold in the deciding frame, until Guillermo broke serve to take the 4-3 lead. The Wave nearly broke serve again, but Shankle fought off match point to hold at 5-4. Guillermo continued to play her game, however, and served out the match, 6-4, to advance to the round of 16.
"I struggled a bit in the first set, but was able to make adjustments and improve throughout. I think I finished the match strong, so I was happy with that," said Guillermo after the match. "I had a lot more confidence in my serve after the first set, and felt really good about my forehand."
This is Guillermo's first singles victory at the USTA/ITA National Indoor Championships, after coming up short at the tournament last year. As a sophomore, Guillermo and the now graduated Khunpak Issara reached the semifinal round of the doubles draw.
Guillermo will square off against #5-ranked and sixth seeded Julie Elbaba of Virginia on Friday. Despite the highly touted opponent, Guillermo isn't fazed and is focused on the game plan: "I haven't really looked at the brackets or rankings much," explained the senior. "I'm simply playing the person on the other side of the net. Everyone here is going to be tough, and winning against anyone here is going to be tough. My goal is to start strong, finish strong more importantly, work hard and just do my best."
Two rounds of singles will be contested tomorrow, with the semifinals scheduled for Saturday and champions crowned on Sunday. Guillerart.mo's round of 16 match is scheduled for a 6 a.m. (PT) start.
USTA/ITA National Indoor Championships
Nov 6-9, 2014 at Flushing, N.Y.
Round of 32
#20 Lorraine Guillermo (Pepperdine) def. #78 Blair Shankle (Baylor) 3-6, 6-4, 6-4
