70
University of Hawaii freshman Petra Melounova’s season ended with a loss to LSU senior Joana Valle Costa in the second round of the NCAA Division I Women’s Tennis Singles Championship today in Athens, Ga.
Valle Costa, ranked 46th in the nation, advanced to the round of 16 and snapped Melounova’s 14-match winning streak with a 6-3, 6-2 win at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex.
Melounova, ranked 70th and the Big West player of the year, became the first UH player to advance in the NCAA tournament with an upset of No. 16 Rachel Pierson of Texas A&M on Wednesday and closed the season at 14-2.
Melounova broke Valle Costa’s first two service games and went back to serve with a 3-1 lead. But Valle Costa rallied to win the next five games and Melounova dropped an opening set for the sixth time in 21 matches this season.
Valle Costa led 2-0 in the second set when rain forced an hour-long suspension of play. Valle Costa held serve after the delay to extend her run to eight straight games. Melounova managed to hold her next two serves, but Valle Costa ended the match with her sixth service break.
By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines.
Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.