Aug. 10, 2011

BRONX, N.Y. - Tennessee senior Natalie Pluskota advanced past the first round of the Emblem Health Bronx Open doubles draw at Crotona Park on Wednesday by defeating Yaroslava Shvedova, who is ranked sixth in the world, and her partner Arina Rodionova by a score of 6-4, 6-4. Pluskota is paired with Florida's Lauren Embree.

Adding to the impressiveness of Pluskota's feat, Shvedova won the Wimbledon and U.S. Open doubles championships in 2010.

Pluskota won her first career professional title at the Norman Wilkerson Memorial Tournament in July while paired with another Gator, Alexandra Cercone.

The Newnan, Ga., native will continue her quest for her second professional title when her and Embree take the court Thursday against Casey Dellacqua and Olivia Rogowska.

Pluskota, who owns a 76-23 doubles record at Tennessee, is a two-time ITA All-American doubles and All-SEC selection. In 2010, Pluskota was a part of the ITA doubles team of the year, paired with former Lady Vol Caitlin Whoriskey.

Emblem Health Bronx Open
Bronx, N.Y.
Doubles Main Draw
Round 1: Natalie Pluskota(USA)/Lauren Embree (USA) def. Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ)/Arina Rodionova(RUS), 6-4, 6-4
Quarterfinals (Thursday): Pluskota/Embree (USA) vs. Casey Dellacqua (AUS)/Olivia Rogowska (AUS)