Women of Troy compete in ITF Las Vegas tournament


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After winning the Pac-12 Conference in 2012 and 2013, the Women of Troy look to add on another championship this year. They have been competing in the ITF Pro Circuit tournament in Las Vegas.

The ITF Las Vegas is an annual tournament held at the Red Rock Country Club and begins with over 200 talented women’s tennis players from across the globe. Six Women of Troy competed in the tournament.

Freshmen Rianna Valdes and Jessica Failla, sophomore Gabby Smith and senior Giuliana Olmos won in the first round of qualifying, but all four of the women lost in hard-fought battles in the second round. Valdes and Olmos each lost in straight sets while Failla and Smith each fell after two sets.

The tournament was excellent practice for the upcoming season this spring. The Women of Troy hope to take this loss and learn from it, so when spring comes they are ready to beat any school that stands in their way.

This week did have some good news for the women’s tennis team, however. Former Trojan tennis player Zoë Scandalis was named one of nine finalists for the NCAA Woman of the Year award. This is an elite award that goes to a former college athlete that made significant acheivements on and off the court. Scandalis, who graduated last spring, was a two-time All American and made four appearances in the NCAA tournament. The winner of this prestigious award will be announced in Indianapolis on Oct. 18.