Horvit Powers into NCAA Round of 16

May 25, 2017

ATHENS, Ga. ââ’¬” South Carolina freshman Mia Horvit solidified her standing in the NCAA Singles Championship with a decisive 6-4, 6-1 win over No. 43 Meible Chi of Duke to advance to the Round of 16. Her straight-set victory will earn All-America status in a few weeks, making her the first freshman and second Gamecock in program history to earn the distinction. “I am very happy and proud of Mia. She is learning that when she plays her game she is very hard to beat,” said Kevin Epley. “For her to cap off an incredible freshman campaign by becoming an All-American is a terrific accomplishment. She is still in the tournament and I think she can play even better, so we will keep trying to extend her season.” Horvit quickly took control in the first set with an early 3-1 lead before Chi was able to find her rhythm to bring the score within one. Horvit battled for the remaining two games to close out the set with a 6-4 score. Chi was able to take a 1-0 lead in the second set before a brief rain shower forced a short weather delay. The break seemed to revitalize Horvit as she claimed six straight games to clinch the match with a 6-4, 6-1 score and punch her ticket to the Round of 16. The win marks the freshman’s eighth ranked victory of the season and her fourth in postseason play. Horvit is notched her fifth singles victory in postseason play with today’s triumph. Horvit will face Miami’s Estela Perez-Somarriba (40) in the Round of 16. Match time will be announced later today after all singles and doubles matches have concluded. For more information on South Carolina women’s tennis, follow the team on Twitter and Instagram at gamecockwtennis or check in at GamecocksOnline.com.