By Brian Roe, Sports Writer

ACU is hosting the 10-team Women’s Omni Intercollegiate Tennis Association Regional Tournament this weekend.

Head coach Hutton Jones said the ITA tournament is probably the most important of the fall season.

“The players who win the singles and doubles draw get an automatic bid to the national tournament,” Jones said. “This also helps set the tone for the spring rankings and gives girls a head start toward becoming an All-American.”

In first round action, Lauren Yarbrough beat Eastern New Mexico’s Tiffany Graham, Rachel Taylor beat Mary Buchan of ENM, Ashley Hawk beat Drury’s Megan Fraser and Joy Israel came back to beat Nicole Williams of St. Edward’s.

Summer Beesley and Colleen Reynolds also won their first round matches.

Jones said it is important to do well at the regional tournament.

“We need to establish ourselves again this year and the ITA helps us do that,” Jones said. “Everything in this tournament will directly affect our spring rankings, so it’s important to play well and do our best to send someone to nationals.”

The eight finalists from all Division II regional tournaments in both singles and doubles will advance to the women’s national tournament. The tournament will be held Oct. 17-19 in Corpus Christi.