MALIBU, Calif. – After defeating two nationally-ranked opponents, University of South Alabama junior Alexandria Stiteler (Bradenton, Fla.) advanced to the consolation finals Saturday at the Oracle/ITA Masters, hosted by Pepperdine University.

Due to injury, Stiteler had to withdraw from the tournament and will not play for the consolation title.

"It was a very impressive performance by Alex today," said USA head coach Jaco Keyser. "She showed mental toughness during adversity within her matches and played some of the best tennis she has played in a while."

Stiteler began the day rallying to defeat No. 71 Marianna Petrei of Idaho 0-6, 7-5, 6-2 in the consolation quarterfinals. 

In the consolation semifinals, Stiteler downed Nevada's Claudia Herrero Garcia, ranked No. 97 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, 7-5. 6-0. 

"The work she did during the summer definitely kicked in today and she deserves the success," Keyser said. "Overall, it has been a very good tournament and I feel like we definitely took a step in the right direction."

Play begins Sunday at noon. 

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

Join the Baseline Club, the tennis-specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund. All donations to the Baseline Club go directly to support the South Alabama men's and women's tennis programs. For more information on how you can join visit: http://jaguarathleticfund.com/baselineclub

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