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The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Atlantic Regional came to a close for the Virginia Tech women’s tennis team as freshman Natalie Novotna, the only remaining Hokie in the tournament, dropped a three-set match on Tuesday, at the Flokes-Stevens Tennis Center, in Norfolk, Virginia.

The Vysoka nad Labem, Czech Republic, native entered the main bracket as an unseeded player, falling to Marshall’s Derya Turhan, seeded at No. 5, in the semifinals. It was a three-set battle, as Novotna claimed the first set by a score of 7-6. However, Turhan rallied and captured the final two sets, 6-4, 6-1, to advance to the final round of play in Norfolk.

Prior to her semifinal match setback, Novotna tallied four victories in the main singles bracket, three of which were against top-seeded opponents, throughout the five-day tournament.

“I am very proud of Natalie and our team for their representation in this tournament,” said head coach Terry Ann Zawacki-Woods. “We are getting better with every match we play, which is always our main goal. Natalie fought so hard today against a seasoned player, and unfortunately, her opponent just played a little bit better in the end. By upsetting three seeds, she is showing what she is capable of and that she can play with anyone. I am so excited for her future as a Hokie.”

Tech returns to the court on Oct. 28-30, as the Hokies host their annual Hokie Fall Invite at the Burrows-Burleson Tennis Center, in Blacksburg.

Singles Main Bracket (Semifinals):

Derya Turhan (Marshall) def. Natalie Novotna (Tech), 6-7, 6-4, 6-1

For updates on Virginia Tech women's tennis, follow the Hokies on Twitter Follow @VT_WTennis