Clemson’s Bek Eliminated from ITA National Indoor Championship

Nov. 6, 2009

Clemson’s Josipa Bek was defeated by eighth-ranked Irina Falconi of Georgia Tech on Friday, falling 6-0, 6-2, in the round of 16 of the ITA National Intercollegiate Indoor Championship in New Haven, CT. Bek, the nation’s ninth-ranked player played in what is the Tigers’ final action of the fall season. Clemson will begin its dual meet season on Jan. 23, 2010 with College of Charleston.

The Osijek, Croatia native won her first round matchup against #28 Katy Rybakova of Florida State in straight sets on Thursday, 6-4, 6-3.

Bek was trying to extend Clemson’s two-year streak of placing a player in the finals, as Ani Mijacika was the runner-up in 2007 and 2008. The sophomore lost for only the second time in her last eleven matches overall, and had been on a six-match winning streak.

These championships, held at Yale University, feature a 32-player singles field and 16-team doubles field for men and women, including: champions from Wilson/ITA Regional Championships held across the country during October, the ITA National Small College champions, the winners of the Riviera/ITA Women’s All-American Championships, and at-large and wild card selections made by the ITA National Tournament Committee. Bek qualified for the 32-player tournament by winning the ITA Carolina Regional Championship in late October.

ResultsThursday – Round of 32 #9 Josipa Bek (CU) def. #28 Katy Rybakova (FSU): 6-4, 6-3

Friday – Round of 16 #8 Irina Falconi (GT) def. #9 Joispa Bek (CU): 6-0, 6-2