Senior Jackie Carleton, Duke's only representative at the ITA National Intercollegiate Indoor Championships, won her opening match of the tournament Thursday.
"It took her a little time to get used to the courts and the atmosphere," assistant coach Stephanie Nickitas said. "She played very well today."
Carleton defeated Ohio State's Caitlin O'Keefe on her school's home court in Columbus, 6-3, 6-4. With the victory, she advanced to play third-seed Kristi Miller of Georgia Tech today.
"She's got a tough match [Friday]," Nickitas said.
Two other Blue Devils, junior Daniela Bercek and freshman Jessi Robinson, also qualified for the national tournament. Bercek made the singles draw by reaching the finals of the ITA All-American Tournament Oct. 9, and the pair qualified together for the doubles bracket after winning the ITA Southeast Regional Championships Oct. 17. Unfortunately, Bercek's nagging knee injury kept both players out of this weekend's tournament.
At the regionals two weeks ago, Carleton won five straight matches to reach the finals and earn a bid to the national tournament.
Carleton also qualified for the National Indoors two years ago when she played for UCLA. She was eliminated by former Blue Devil Amanda Johnson that year.
The rest of the Duke team is participating in the Kitty Harrison Invitational in Chapel Hill.
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