BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - UC Santa Barbara Women's Tennis senior, Amelia Honer, won her first pro tournament in her young career at the W35 Bakersfield Tournament. The 14th ranked singles player in college tennis defeated No. 653-WTA ranked Julieta Pareja in straight sets to earn the championship victory.

FROM HEAD COACH SIMON THIBODEAU
"We are so proud of Amelia for winning her first pro title," said Thibodeau. "She kept her composure playing with focus, intelligence and variety on the court. Amelia played very high caliber matches throughout the week and handled every tough situation with poise and competitiveness. This will give her a boost of confidence for her following college and pro career."

SINGLES COMPETITION
Honer began the tournament against Carmen Andreea Herea, a freshman at the University of Texas and the 11th-ranked newcomer according to the ITA. Honer defeated Herea in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2 to advance out of the first round of play. In the second round, she would take on seventh-seeded Haley Giavara in straight sets as well.

In the quarterfinal round, Honer would take on her toughest test yet in Sahaja Yamalapalli, the No.3 seed in the tournament. After falling in the first set, 6-7 (4) the senior bounced back with two 6-2 set wins to earn a spot in the semifinals. Yamalapalli was ranked 293rd by the WTA, entering the match against Honer.

In the semifinal round, Honer again came back after losing the first set to defeat her opponent, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 and earn herself a spot in the championship match. In the championship match Honer went on to win in straight-sets, 6-4, 6-3 and earn her first pro tournament title.

DOUBLES COMPETITION
Honer was teamed up with Brandy Walker for the doubles main draw of the tournament. In the first round the duo won via walkover. After not winning a game in the first set, Honer and Walker came back to win 0-6, 6-1, 10-7 and advance to the semifinal round.

In the semifinal round the doubles partners ran into the second seeded duo of Mana Ayukawa and Yujia Huang, losing in straight sets. Their run ended there.

FROM SENIOR AMELIA HONER
"I am very proud of myself and how I competed this week," said Honer. "It was important for me to keep my composure and maintain a high level during every match, and I am happy with the way I executed those things."

UP NEXT
Honer and the Gauchos will return to action on Oct. 17 as they travel to San Diego to compete in the ITA Southwest Regional.