LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Candice Bernier and Carlotta Mencaglia both advanced in the main draw of singles while Zuzanna Szczepanska earned her way into it, and multiple Miners grabbed wins in consolation play in a quality full day of action at the ITA Mountain Regionals hosted by NM State Friday.
 
"Overall, we had a very positive day with Zu playing her way into the main draw and then getting main draw wins from Lotti and Candi," UTEP head coach Ivan Fernandez said. "In the consolation singles we got wins today from Palo, Hanna, Wendy, and Zu."
 
In the main draw of singles play, Mencaglia made her mark with a convincing 6-4, 6-3, victory against Patrycja Niewiadomska (NAU), who competes at No. 1 singles for the Lumberjacks. Candice Bernier joined her by cruising past Petra Janigova (Nevada), 7-5, 6-2
 
The Miners looked to keep it going in the round of 32, but it wasn't to be. Mencaglia was upended by number six seed Amahee Charrier (Nevada), 6-3, 6-1. Bernier then went down swinging to number nine seed Sara Akid (Utah), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.
 
Szczepanska, who won her opening-round match in the consolation draw on Thursday, tasted victory yet again to punch her ticket to the main draw with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, triumph vs. Ariadna Briones Ginesta (Boise State). The three-set affair was halted due to rain on Thursday before Szczepanska put the finishing touches on the win Friday. She looked to keep her momentum going in the main draw but was bested, 6-1, 6-4, by Rebekkah Gaines (New Mexico).
 
UTEP enjoyed some quality play in consolation matches. Paloma Hennicaux blasted Aleksandra Bozinovska (Weber State), 6-2, 6-3. Wendy Zhang ousted Big 12 player Sue Yan Tan (BYU), 2-6, 7-5, 11-9. Hanna Telzynska took care of business with a 6-7, 6-1, 10-4, vanquishing of Maya Michalski (Air Force).
 
The Miners will continue competition at the ITA Mountain Regionals on Saturday.
 
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