Shankle Heads to Oracle/ITA Masters

Senior Blair Shankle will represent the Lady Bears at the Second Annual Oracle/ITA Masters in Malibu, California, on Oct. 13-16. Ranked No. 54 nationally in the preseason, she is one of two Big 12 competitors and one of 32 collegiate women’s tennis players overall competing in the wildcard event.

"This weekend is an another opportunity for Blair to get some more matches under her belt,” head coach Joey Scrivano said. “She's made steady progress this semester and we are pleased with her development thus far. Ultimately, if she can keep adding levels to her tennis she will have a lot of success this season and beyond."

The Dallas, Texas, native will compete in the 32-player singles tournament, opening action against Lucile Pothier of Abilene Christian at 11:15 a.m. (CT) Thursday.

Shankle will also pair up with Baylor men’s tennis player Max Tchoutakian in the 32-team mixed doubles bracket. The Baylor duo begins doubles play at 10 a.m. on the same day against Claudia Yanes Garcia of Austin Peay and Andrew Watson of Memphis.

Pepperdine will host opening rounds of weekend action at Ralphs-Strauss Tennis Center, while semifinal and championship matches will be held at the Malibu Racquet Club.