Weatherholt Advances to Semis at Midland Invitational

Midland, Texas - Mary Weatherholt advanced to the semifinals of the Midland Invitational on Saturday afternoon in Midland, Texas. The Husker sophomore won the tournament singles title last year and is looking to repeat as champion when the tournament wraps up play on Sunday.

Weatherholt defeated SMU's Shahzoda Hatamova in straight sets in the round of 16, then defeated another SMU opponent, Alexsandra Malyarchikova, 6-4, 4-6, (13-11), in the quarterfinals.

Weatherholt had to battle her way back against Malyarchikova when she found herself down 9-5 in the third set super-tiebreaker. She worked her way back to 9-9 before being down again 10-9 and 11-10, before finally putting away the match and winning 13-11. Weatherholt fought off six match points in all on the match.

"Mary really kept her composure and that really made the difference in the match," NU Assistant Coach Hayden Perez said. "She had to dig deep at the right times and really managed her game well."

Sophomore Madeleine Geibert made it to the quarterfinals in singles play as well before falling to Pepperdine's Ali Walters. Both Husker doubles teams were also knocked out of the competition during the day, although the duo of Geibert and Jennifer Holmberg made it to the quarterfinals before bowing out.

"It was a very good day for the Huskers," Perez said. "The doubles was very impressive; Mary and Steffi (Weinstein) played some great doubles against a tough TCU team and only a few points made a difference.  Jen and Madeleine also played the best doubles they have ever played together. They competed hard and lost a close one to the # 1 seeds.  They should be proud of their efforts."

The Midland Invitational closes play on Sunday as Weatherholt looks to defend her championship. 

Results
Mary Weatherholt def. Shahzoda Hatamova (SMU), 7-5, 6-2
Mary Weatherholt def. Alexsandra Malyarchikova (SMU), 6-4, 4-6, (13-11)
Madeline Geibert def. Katarina Mlcoclava (UT-Arlington), 6-2, 6-3
Ali Walters (Pepperdine) def. Madeleine Geibert, 6-4, 6-2

Geibert/Holmberg def. Peana/Letch (Texas Tech), 8-4
Duncan/Alexander (TCU) def. Weatherholt/Weinstein, 8-5
Thongdach/Megale (Boise State) def. Geibert/Holmberg, 8-6