FIU Tennis Player makes a grand slam at the ITA All-American Championship

By Steven Melendez/Staff Writer

Never has an FIU tennis player been invited to the ITA All-American Championship and have as much success as junior student-athlete Andrea Lazaro just had. She had an amazing run that saw her win against multiple ranked opponents, and making it all the way to the semi-finals.

“It felt great representing FIU, because no one had as much success there before,” said Lazaro. “Being the first felt huge, and all the big schools know a little more about FIU now.”

With the tournament being invitation only, there was nothing but tough competition present. Lazaro had to go through multiple ranked opponents from no. 72 to just the ninth ranked tennis player in the country, which is an FIU record.

“In this tournament, there was not even one girl who didn’t know how to play tennis, so everyone was ranked,” said Lazaro. “I kept thinking to keep going and I’ll have my chances, and it was a really good opportunity for me to step up.”

Lazaro started the tournament winning two of her three qualifying matches. In the main draw, Lazaro had to go up against the No. 9-ranked Alizee Michaud from Auburn and beat her, 6-3, 6-0. It was the biggest victory in Lazaro’s singles career as well as FIU tennis history.

On her way to the semifinals, Lazaro defeated California’s No. 75-ranked Olivia Hauger in the second round, 6-1, 4-6, 6-1, and then defeated Vanderbilt’s No. 47-ranked Christina Rosca in the quarterfinals, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.

Unfortunately, Lazaro’s incredible run ended in the semifinals as she fell to Florida Atlantic’s No. 30-ranked Aliona Bolsova, 6-1, 6-3. It was one of the most successful campaigns in this prestigious tournament for FIU.

The last time FIU was represented at the Riviera ITA All-American Championship was in 2009 when both Liset Brito and Mariana Muci were invited.

Brito was able to win her first match, but then fell in the second round. In her first match, Muci had to retire from the tournament due to back spasms.

“It brings a lot of confidence for both me and the team,” said Lazaro. “Having a player at the tournament representing them definitely brings a positive atmosphere to the team.”

After finishing last season at 21-2, the best record in school history, Lazaro and the FIU tennis team will return home for the FIU invitational on Oct. 27 that will carry out through the 29.