Marina
On September 20, 2025, three determined players from Emporia State University’s women’s tennis team powered through tough competition to advance to Sunday’s matches at the ITA Regional Tournament in Edmond, Oklahoma.
With a strong overall team performance and key individual victories, the Lady Hornets showed grit, depth, and a winning mentality.
Giovanna Ferreira Leads the Way
Giovanna Ferreira had an outstanding day in Flight B, winning two crucial matches to reach the semifinals.
- She defeated Agustina Abdo of Nebraska-Kearney in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3.
- In a thrilling second match, Ferreira bounced back after dropping the first set to edge Camila Corrales of Southern Arkansas, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 1-0 (10-3).
Ferreira is scheduled to face Daisy Barrow of Northeastern State at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday. A win would secure her a place in the Flight B championship match.
Yuliya Klimova Battles Through Flight A Consolation
Yuliya Klimova advanced to the semifinals of the Flight A consolation bracket, showcasing resilience and strong play.
- In her opener, she handled Jolina Mass of Southern Arkansas 6-1, 6-4.
- She then overcame Martina Sofia Sfilio in a grueling three-set battle, 6-3, 6-7 (1-7), 1-0 (10-6).
On Sunday, Klimova will meet Monica Balau of Arkansas Tech in the semifinals, aiming for a spot in the consolation final.
Erin Cahill Advances with a Walkover
Erin Cahill joined her teammates in advancing, moving into the Flight B consolation semifinals. She benefited from a walkover after her scheduled opponent, Luciana Flores Urey of Newman, was forced to withdraw due to injury.
Cahill will take on Antonietta Bocache of Arkansas-Fort Smith at 9:00 a.m. in her semifinal matchup.
Team Performance on Saturday
Emporia State finished the day with a 7-5 overall record, including a 5-2 mark in singles play. The doubles teams picked up early wins but fell short in the quarterfinals of the Flight B consolation bracket.
Match Summary
| Player | Bracket / Flight | Result(s) | Next Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giovanna Ferreira | Flight B Semifinals | Defeated Abdo 7-5, 6-3; Defeated Corrales 6-7, 6-3, 1-0 (10-3) | vs Daisy Barrow (Northeastern State) |
| Yuliya Klimova | Flight A Consolation SF | Defeated Mass 6-1, 6-4; Defeated Sfilio 6-3, 6-7, 1-0 (10-6) | vs Monica Balau (Arkansas Tech) |
| Erin Cahill | Flight B Consolation SF | Walkover win over Flores Urey | vs Antonietta Bocache (Arkansas-Fort Smith) |
Why This Matters for Emporia State
The Lady Hornets’ advancement highlights:
- Depth in singles play, with three different players reaching Sunday’s semifinals.
- Resilience under pressure, with comeback wins in tie-break sets.
- Momentum for the season, as the team builds confidence from strong tournament performances.
The Emporia State Lady Hornets are making their presence felt at the ITA Regionals. With Giovanna Ferreira, Yuliya Klimova, and Erin Cahill all advancing to Sunday play, the team’s depth and determination are on full display.
Whether fighting through long rallies, winning in tie-breakers, or capitalizing on opportunities, the Lady Hornets are proving they can compete with the best.
Sunday promises to be an exciting day as these three players look to secure spots in championship and consolation finals, carrying momentum into the rest of the season.