Wyoming’s Bijlsma Wins Jon Messick Invite Crown
FORT COLLINS, Colo., – Silver Bijlsma, in her first career action with the Wyoming Cowgirls, was one of two Cowgirls to claim Jon Messick Invitational titles Sunday as the event concluded. Violetta Borodina also earned a championship thanks to a withdrawal from her finals opponent.
Bijlsma was victorious in straight sets Sunday, defeating Ariana Liu of Chicago 6-2, and 6-2. All three of Bijlsma’s wins at the invite came via straight sets.
“Great first tournament from Silver,” said Head Coach Dean Clower.
“I don’t think in my career, I’ve ever had a freshman come in and be as disciplined and aggressive, as she was. Her energy and competitiveness were contagious all weekend. Leadership wise, V (Borodina) and Serina have been great leading by example thus far. We had a good weekend but have a lot to work on, especially in doubles with the structure we need to play with.”
In consolation action, Serina Abriola, Dilnaz Mashabayeva and Madlena Orlova picked up victories in their tournament finales. Abriola won 8-5 over Air Force’s Keley Ko. Mashabayeva won her contest 8-3 over Anika Paul of Chicago. Orlova, meanwhile, closed her first action as a Cowgirl with a thrilling 8-7 (8-5) win over Diana Lizarazo of Colorado State.
In other finals action involving the Cowgirls, Anastasiia Kochelaevskaia and Ruby Young battled in losses in their championship brackets. Kochelaevskaia lost a third-set super set tiebreaker to VanHouweling of Air Force, losing 1-6, 7-5 and 12-10. Young was defeated 6-4 and 6-3.
Wyoming returns to action next week with their second consecutive trip down to the state of Colorado. The Cowgirls will travel to the Air Force Academy for the annual Bedford Cup, beginning Friday.
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