Thursday, November 7
Rome, Ga.
Rice University
vs
ITA Conference Masters
Ratkovic Looks to Claim NCAA Spot in Georgia, Rice Hosts Fall Invitational
11/6/2024 3:30:00 PM | Women's Tennis
HOUSTON - Rice women's tennis will have two separate events going on this weekend, as Divna Ratkovic heads east to Georgia to take part in the ITA Conference Masters from Thursday, November 7 to Sunday, November 10, while Rice will host the Rice Invitational at the George R. Brown Tennis Center from Friday, November 8 to Sunday, November 10.
"I'm excited for Divna to represent Rice and the American," said women's tennis head coach Elizabeth Schmidt on Ratkovic's opportunity this weekend. "It's going to be great event, and I'm happy for her to have an opportunity to compete for a spot at the NCAAs!"
Ratkovic earned the right to take part in the ITA Conference Masters by winning the AAC Women's Singles Championship during the AAC Individual Championship. Ratkovic, the four seed, earned a first-round bye and won four-straight matches to take home the title. She defeated two seeded opponents along the way, including sixth-seeded Ana Paula Naranjo Martinez from Tulsa on Friday and second seeded Leonie Moeller in the championship.
"I am truly excited to be part of the ITA Conference Masters," said Ratkovic. "It is both a great honor and responsibility to compete among the best, and I'm proud to represent the Owls and Rice University at such an important event. I will give my all to achieve the best possible results. A huge thank you to my coaches Elizabeth [Schmidt], Blair [Shankle], and Juan [Lugo Cirkovic], as well as to my teammates, for all their support! Go Owls! Go Rice!"
To qualify for the NCAA Championship, Ratkovic must advance to the semifinals of the tournament to guarantee a spot.
Meanwhile on South Main, the Owls will host the Rice Invitational, a three-day event featuring 11 other college tennis programs.
The teams competing along with Rice will be Baylor, Houston, Iowa State, LSU, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UT Arlington, UTRGV, and UTSA.
Matches will begin as early as 9 a.m. during the Invitational. Teams will play six game sets in doubles and play with traditional singles rules, best two of three wins with a full third set if needed.
Draws for the Rice Invitational will be announced on Thursday.
RiceOwls.com will have continuing coverage of both events as they proceed.
"I'm excited for Divna to represent Rice and the American," said women's tennis head coach Elizabeth Schmidt on Ratkovic's opportunity this weekend. "It's going to be great event, and I'm happy for her to have an opportunity to compete for a spot at the NCAAs!"
Ratkovic earned the right to take part in the ITA Conference Masters by winning the AAC Women's Singles Championship during the AAC Individual Championship. Ratkovic, the four seed, earned a first-round bye and won four-straight matches to take home the title. She defeated two seeded opponents along the way, including sixth-seeded Ana Paula Naranjo Martinez from Tulsa on Friday and second seeded Leonie Moeller in the championship.
"I am truly excited to be part of the ITA Conference Masters," said Ratkovic. "It is both a great honor and responsibility to compete among the best, and I'm proud to represent the Owls and Rice University at such an important event. I will give my all to achieve the best possible results. A huge thank you to my coaches Elizabeth [Schmidt], Blair [Shankle], and Juan [Lugo Cirkovic], as well as to my teammates, for all their support! Go Owls! Go Rice!"
To qualify for the NCAA Championship, Ratkovic must advance to the semifinals of the tournament to guarantee a spot.
Meanwhile on South Main, the Owls will host the Rice Invitational, a three-day event featuring 11 other college tennis programs.
The teams competing along with Rice will be Baylor, Houston, Iowa State, LSU, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UT Arlington, UTRGV, and UTSA.
Matches will begin as early as 9 a.m. during the Invitational. Teams will play six game sets in doubles and play with traditional singles rules, best two of three wins with a full third set if needed.
Draws for the Rice Invitational will be announced on Thursday.
RiceOwls.com will have continuing coverage of both events as they proceed.
Players Mentioned
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