Clemson’s Bek, Wong Advance to USTA/ITA National Indoor Doubles Semifinals

Nov. 5, 2010

FLUSHING, NY – Clemson’s fifth-ranked doubles team of Josipa Bek and Keri Wong have advanced to the semifinals of the USTA/ITA National Indoor Championships at the USTA-Arthur Ashe Tennis Center in Flushing, NY. The tandem won, 9-8 (2) in a close match over Alison Ramos and Valeria Pulido of Southern Cal.

“The match today was tough,” said Wong. “We fought off two match points to win. We are still trying to get on the same page. We have a lot to work on, but we are still working. I’m not surprised, we just rarely play doubles together. Basically the only matches we’ve had have been in these tournaments. We are playing well but we can get better.“

The tandem is ranked fifth nationally and is seeded third in the tournament. They will take on the #1-ranked duo of Jana Juricova and Mari Andersson of California in the semifinals.

“We’ve never played them, but we’ve played each in singles, so we are a little familiar with them,” said Wong. “So far, of the teams I’ve seen, we are one of the only ones where both of us come to the net. “

Bek fell in the round of 16 in singles, 7-6(5), 6-2, to #3 Maria Sanchez of Southern Cal. Bek had break point at 6-5 in the first set, but was unable to shut the door on the Trojan.

“I had a good opening of the match and set point on her serve,” said Bek. “When you don’t use it, it is hard to come back against her. She was serving well all match, but she broke me early in the second set, and was able to hold serve.”

Women’s main draw doubles will start Saturday morning, with the finals on Sunday. This will be the Tigers’ final fall competition. They begin dual match play on Jan. 21 against Troy.

Results

Doubles:

Round of 16 (11/4/10):

#5 Josipa Bek/Keri Wong (CU) def. Maria Fuccillo/Rashmi Teltumbde (UVa), 8-1

Quarterfinals (11/5/10):

#5 Bek/Wong (CU) def. Pulido/Ramos (USC), 9-8(2)

Singles:

Round of 32 (11/4/10)

#13 Josipa Bek (CU) def. #41 Michaela Kissell (MARSHALL), 6-3, 6-1

Round of 16 (11/5/10)

#3 Maria Sanchez (USC) def. #13 Josipa Bek, 7-6 (5), 6-2