University of Minnesota Athletics
Wilkins Captures ITA Summer Circuit Title
7/17/2008 12:00:00 AM | Tennis
Niltooli Wilkins, who has signed a letter of intent to play tennis at the University of Minnesota this fall, captured an individual title on the Intercollegiate Tennis Association summer circuit on July 14 in Manhattan, Kan.
Wilkins, who was the 2007 Minnesota Class AA state singles champion at Burnsville High School, defeated the tournament’s top seed and Texas A&M recruit Sheri Olivier 6-4, 6-2 in the championship match. Wilkins knocked off the second seed in the semifinals by beating Kara Hickey, who played last season at Iowa State, 6-0, 6-3.
Wilkins opened the tournament with a 7-5, 6-4 win over Maria Martinez, who plays at Kansas, and then defeated SMU recruit Alexandra O’Neal to reach the semifinals.
“It’s great to see Niltooli gaining confidence and preparing herself for the upcoming season,” Minnesota coach Tyler Thomson said. “We’re all looking forward to seeing her in maroon and gold.”
The ITA summer circuit began in 1993 and provides college players the opportunity to compete in organized events virtually year round. It is made up of seven regional circuits, leading up to the ITA National Summer Championships Aug. 11-15 in Bloomington, Ind.
Players Mentioned
