July 14, 2014
Tourney HQ
EVANSVILLE, Ind. - Two young Illini are off to a great start in Evansville, Indiana, each qualifying for the $10,000 pro circuit tournament held at the Wesselman Park Tennis Center. Sophomore Alexis Casati and incoming freshman Jade Hilton advanced through three rounds of qualifying to make it to the man draw consisting of 32 competitors.
"I'm excited to qualify for this because it's a big tournament and even though it isn't associated with college tennis it is important to me to represent Illinois not only in collegiate competition but outside of it as well," said Casati.
Casati and Hilton each received a first round bye thus needing two victories to send them into the main draw. Casati rolled in the second round over Spirit Edley, 6-0, 6-0. The sophomore then qualified via a 6-4, 6-0 victory over Jasmine Boyd. Hilton bested Jane Fennelly 7-5, 6-2 before qualifying 6-1, 6-1 over Julia Casselbury.
"I've been training very hard this past year and I'm really proud that I qualified for my first pro tournament," said Hilton. "I can't wait to play for the University of Illinois starting in the fall as well!"
The main draw will begin on Tuesday, when Casati's and Hilton's opponents will be announced when they are slotted within the bracket. Hilton will also be representing the Illini in the 16-team doubles draw.
