Galhos Captures Flight Title to Cap SMU Invitational

DALLAS – On a day when Texas A&M-Corpus Christi players defeated opponents from SMU, Kansas State and Sam Houston State, Kerry Galhos punctuated the strong performance by winning her flight at the SMU Invitational.
 
"I always think the final day of a tournament is about toughness and fitness," said Director of Tennis Steve Moore. "I was so proud of how tough these girls were today. The quality of tennis was very, very high from every girl on our team today.
 
"The third day in a row is a day that can be tempting for a player to be tired and drag," continued Moore. "These girls were just the opposite. They showed up with great energy and spirit from the very first match and never let it drop. The way they competed and the quality of play were excellent today, but I'm not surprised, I've come to expect that from this high-character group."
 
Galhos' title came in a grueling three-set slugfest. The Islander junior squared off with Carrie Casey of Sam Houston State, who spent last season at the number two spot for the Southland rival. Galhos opened the match by capturing the first set 6-3 before Casey rallied with a 2-6 second to set up a tiebreak third set.
 
The Islander rose to the occasion. In a 10-point tiebreak which featured match points for both players, Galhos emerged victorious in extras by an 11-9 score.
 
Kerry's match was just a great match," said Moore. "Both players deserved to win and played so hard. They really competed and suffered through some tough points. To finish 11-9 in a third-set tiebreak with each having match points is as good as it gets and I'm very proud of Kerry."
 
Marina Vicens Miquel battled valiantly in the final of the number nine singles draw, but ultimately fell in three sets to Patricia Villar of Louisiana-Monroe. Vicens Miquel came out on a tear, capturing the first set 6-3, but was unable to hold off Villar in the second and third. The Warhawk sophomore went 20-10 a season ago, playing primarily at number four for Louisiana-Monroe.
 
Judit Vives bounced back from a Saturday loss to win her consolation singles match in the final day of the Invitational. Vives defeated Livia Cirnu from Kansas State in straight sets, winning 6-3, 6-4. Alexandra Belle also earned a singles victory in her final match of the weekend, defeating Sara Jamal of SMU in straight sets. Belle won by scores of 6-4 and 6-0 in the consolation match.
 
In doubles action, Vives and Belle captured the consolation final on the number three draw. Vives and Belle knocked off Charline Anselmo and Sara Jamal of SMU to cap the weekend with their second victory of the tournament. The Islanders defeated the home standing Mustangs 6-3, mirroring their Saturday result in the consolation semifinal.
 
 
"SMU ran great tournament," said Moore. "I'm thankful for all the hard work they put in to make it a great experience for our players. We learned a lot about what we need to improve and this group is highly motivated to get to work."
 
The Islander women return to action October 20 for the ITA Texas Regionals in Waco.