The University of Akron Athletics
Blinova Selected to Compete in 2016 Oracle/ITA Masters
June 10 | Women's Tennis
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AKRON, Ohio – University of Akron junior Ariadna Blinova (Riga, Latvia) earned a spot to play in the 2016 Oracle/ITA Masters on October 13-16 in Malibu, California announced by head coach Brandon Padgett Friday.
"We have had the privilege of setting many program firsts since I arrived at Akron almost six years ago, and today is another first for the program," said Padgett. "To have Ari selected, based on her outstanding results from this past spring season, is an amazing honor. I am extremely proud of her, and the level of commitment she showed. Now she has something else very special to work and prepare for, and I am confident that she will be ready to compete. The level of players at this tournament will be higher than anything she has seen collegiately, and I am excited for Ari, and for our program."
This national collegiate championship event will be held at Pepperdine University and the Malibu Racquet Club. The competition will feature the top returning player from each Division I athletic conference, with one additional wild card spot. The tournament will consist of a double elimination 32-player women's singles draw, along with a single elimination 32-team mixed doubles draw. Each mixed doubles team will be comprised of the men's player and the women's player from each conference, with wild card players paired together or with conference players who do not have a counterpart.
The Riga, Latvia native was the recipient of the Mid-American Conference's 2016 Player of the Year Award, a first-team All-MAC selection and an Academic All-MAC pick. The sophomore played the season at No. 1 and No. 2 singles with an 8-0 league record and 22-4 mark overall.
Players Mentioned
