Bakhtina and Buijtenhuijs Advance to Singles Semifinals at H-E-B Invitational
EDINBURG, TEXAS – UTRGV Women’s Tennis players Mariia Bakhtina and Luna Buijtenhuijs secured victories in their respective matches on November 1, 2024, propelling them into the singles semifinals of the H-E-B Invitational. Both Vaqueros demonstrated strong performances, navigating challenging matchups to continue their tournament runs.
The H-E-B Invitational provides a crucial early-season possibility for UTRGV to assess its players against a competitive field, refine strategies, and build momentum heading into the spring dual-match schedule. Success in this tournament can considerably boost individual confidence and team morale. Bakhtina and Buijtenhuijs’ advancement highlights the program’s depth and potential for success this season.
Bakhtina, competing in the Pink Draw East Semifinals, defeated Ayra Salim of UTSA at 10 a.m. Concurrently, Buijtenhuijs triumphed over Gabriella Kellner from ISU in the Yellow Draw East Semifinals, beginning at 11 a.m.
Additional UTRGV players also competed in the tournament’s semifinal rounds. Barbara Martinez faced luna Ivkovic of BU at 12 p.m. in the Finals Draw. Madeleine Joffe battled Risa Ueno of UI at 12 p.m. in the Purple Draw West Semifinals. Hitakamya Narwal took on Kinley VanPelt of KU at 12:30 p.m. in the Orange Draw West Semifinals, and Rhea Makesar challenged Valentina Ponce Serrano of Rice at 12:30 p.m. in the Yellow Draw West Semifinals. Valentina Urraco also competed in the Pink Draw East Semifinals against Kira Smith of ISU at 10 a.m.
