Feb. 22, 2008

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - - Sophomore women's tennis player Ashley Murdock received an at-large entry in to the qualifying draw of the Cellular South Cup, Friday, and played well in a 6-3, 6-4 loss to Martina Sucha of Slovakia.

"Both Ashley and I really appreciate Phil Chamberlain giving Ashley this opportunity," Head Coach Lee Taylor Walker said. "It's important for her and for our program."

During the match at The Racquet Club on Friday, Murdock won 56 percent of her points on her first serve and broke Sucha's serve three times in six attempts. But Sucha, a 27-year-old pro with two titles and over $968,000 in prize money to her credit and who ranks No. 196 in the world in women's singles, was able to save three of six break points she faced, while Murdock was unable to save her serve in five break attempts.

Murdock is the second Lady Tiger in as many years to receive an at-large bid in to the qualifying draw of the WTA tournament that is held each February at The Racquet Club of Memphis. Sophomore Marjorie Ondeck received a bid to the draw last year, falling in her match in straight sets during her freshman semester.