Marzal Martinez Takes Part in Hilton Head Island $15K

By Alex Schwartz
HurricaneSports.com

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – Lucia Marzal Martinez of the University of Miami women’s tennis team competed as an amateur Tuesday in the Hilton Head Island $15K.

The Miami freshman, who earned a berth directly into the singles main draw, took on the tournament’s second seed, 28-year-old Nadja Gilchrist, at the Van Der Meet Shipyard Racquet Club.

Despite facing a seeded player nine years older than her, Marzal Martinez turned in an impressive performance in a narrow 4-6, 4-6 defeat.

Marzal Martinez, ranked No. 890 in the world, took the opening game of each set, but No. 593 Gilchrist won six of the final nine in both to earn the victory.

“She never controlled the entire situation and that is something she is working on,” Miami associate head coach Laura Vallverdu said. “She needs to consolidate the leads and stay aggressive on opponents. Looking forward to continuing our job with her and getting her stronger.”

Marzal Martinez’s participation in the ITF tournament came just days after the opening weekend of her collegiate tennis career at the Miami Fall Invite, Sept. 21-23 in Coral Gables, Fla.

To keep up with the University of Miami women’s tennis team on social media, follow @CanesWTennis on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

TUESDAY RESULT

Singles Main Draw – Round of 32
No. 593 [2] Nadja Gilchrist def. No. 890 Lucia Marzal Martinez, 6-4, 6-4