Laurente, Stracar Advance at Amelia Island

AMELIAISLAND, Fla. – Miami’s NicolleStracar and Kelsey Laurente each took their first round qualifying matches atthe Amelia Island Women’s Championships at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation onSunday.

In her Hurricanedebut, Stracar a former Wisconsin Badger, recovered from a first set loss todefeat Romania’s Ilinca Stoica, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3.

“I am very proud of the way Nicky Stracar competed today,” assistantcoach Alex Santos said. “It was her first match in five months and in thebeginning, it wasn’t easy for her to find her best tennis. She stayed composedand ended her match on a very high note.”

Laurente, afreshman, made quick work of Miranda Talbert, defeating her fellow American instraight sets, 6-1, 6-0.

“Kelsey has great talent and court awareness and today she addedimpressive overall focus,” Santos added. “I’m looking forward for tomorrow’s challenges.”

UM sophomoreLina Lileikite (1-6, 0-6) and freshman Stephanie Wagner (3-6, 6-3, 3-6) eachfell in their opening round matches.

“Stephanie showed great competitive spirit and has already shownthat she will be a great asset for the program,” Santos said. “Granted, she cameup a little bit short, but her attitude and the way she fights for every pointis definitely at a Miami level.”

Second round qualification action begins Monday at 9 a.m.