CLAREMONT, Calif. – Gustavus women’s tennis ace Briana Hartmann (Jr., Owatonna, Minn.) Thursday experienced her first NCAA singles tournament, winning the first match and losing in the second round against the defending national champion. Hartmann, who earned All-America status in the fall by winning the ITA Midwest Regional and taking fifth at the Oracle Cup, finishes her season with a 26-10 singles record.
Hartmann opened the tournament with a 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 win over Ella Riddle of Linfield. She was down 5-4 in the third set and battled back for the victory.
“She played a great first match,” Head Coach Jon Carlson said. “Playing from behind late in the third she was able to keep her head and acted like she was never going to lose. Bri’s composure in those situations bodes well for her future.”
In the second round, Hartmann was tasked with facing the defending national champion Eudice Chong of Wesleyan and lost 6-0, 6-2.
“Playing someone like Eudice reminds you of what other levels of tennis can be reached,” Carlson said. “Bri can certainly develop into what Eudice has and she has the tools to do that. This was a great experience for Bri and will only make her a better player moving forward.”