Monday, October 28
Norman, OK
University of North Texas
vs
ITF W35 Norman Invite
Laydner Shines at ITF W35 Norman
10/30/2024 4:19:00 PM | Women's Tennis
Sophomore from Brazil wins pair of strong matches, advances to main draw
NORMAN, Okla. – Sophomore Carolina Laydner had one of the strongest performances of her career at the ITF W35 Norman, defeating a pair of quality opponents to earn a spot in the main draw before bowing out in the round of 32 this week at the Norman Open.
Laydner opened up play with a with a win in straight sets over Malak El Allami, the 2024 US Open junior girls doubles champion, 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the second round of qualifying.
She then knocked off Esther Lovato, Liberty University's all-time leader in singles wins, in a thriller 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 10-7 to earn a spot in the main draw of just 32 players.
"We could not be prouder of how Carolina represented Mean Green tennis at the 35K," head coach Amanda Stone said. "She worked hard all summer to earn the opportunity to play a tournament of this level and she made the most of it. I love that we are able to support players like her and help them stay on track with their professional goals. She really embodied what we've been talking about in digging in and finding a way to win. Our team is going in the right direction and Carolina really highlighted that on a big stage with her performance."
Laydner advanced to the main draw despite not knowing for sure she would be competing in the tournament until the day before, earning her spot on the alternate list on Sunday before competition started Monday.
In the round of 32, Laydner squared off against Daria Kuczer, a 2023 First Team All-SEC selection at Tennessee, and fell 6-2, 6-0 to finish play in the competition.
Laydner and the rest of the Mean Green will compete for the final time this fall in the Hurricane Invite in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this weekend. UNT will take on Wichita State and Central Arkansas as well as host Tulsa in the event.
Laydner opened up play with a with a win in straight sets over Malak El Allami, the 2024 US Open junior girls doubles champion, 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the second round of qualifying.
She then knocked off Esther Lovato, Liberty University's all-time leader in singles wins, in a thriller 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 10-7 to earn a spot in the main draw of just 32 players.
"We could not be prouder of how Carolina represented Mean Green tennis at the 35K," head coach Amanda Stone said. "She worked hard all summer to earn the opportunity to play a tournament of this level and she made the most of it. I love that we are able to support players like her and help them stay on track with their professional goals. She really embodied what we've been talking about in digging in and finding a way to win. Our team is going in the right direction and Carolina really highlighted that on a big stage with her performance."
Laydner advanced to the main draw despite not knowing for sure she would be competing in the tournament until the day before, earning her spot on the alternate list on Sunday before competition started Monday.
In the round of 32, Laydner squared off against Daria Kuczer, a 2023 First Team All-SEC selection at Tennessee, and fell 6-2, 6-0 to finish play in the competition.
Laydner and the rest of the Mean Green will compete for the final time this fall in the Hurricane Invite in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this weekend. UNT will take on Wichita State and Central Arkansas as well as host Tulsa in the event.
-- GMG --
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
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