Cal Sophomore Laura Cilekova Reaches Singles Quarterfinals at ITA Northwest Regional at Stanford

University of California women's tennis sophomore Laura Cilekova delivered a breakout autumn tournament performance in October, advancing to both the singles quarterfinals and the doubles semifinals at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Division I Women's Northwest Regional Championships hosted at Stanford. Competing against top collegiate players from across Northern California and the Pacific Northwest, Cilekova led a contingent of four Golden Bears who reached the singles round of 16. Her deep quarterfinal run officially qualified her for the upcoming ITA Division I Women's West Sectional Championship in early November.

Cilekova's resurgence on the Peninsula courts was particularly notable for the Berkeley athletic program after the sophomore missed last season's regional championship tournament entirely while recovering from an injury. Joining Cilekova in the singles round of 16 were Cal teammates Mille Johanna Moerk, Naomi Xu, and Nika Hurkacz, demonstrating impressive roster depth for the Golden Bears across the opening rounds of the multi-day regional bracket.

In doubles play, Cilekova paired with Moerk to stage one of the tournament's most dramatic comebacks during their second-round match against the University of Oregon. After falling behind 1-6 in the decisive match tiebreaker, the Cal tandem saved five consecutive match points and reeled off seven straight points to capture an 8-6 tiebreak victory, eventually propelling the duo into the regional doubles semifinals before a spirited crowd.

Cal head coach Maggie Kane praised Cilekova's poise and competitive grit throughout the Stanford regional draw, noting on Friday that the strong autumn result significantly boosts the sophomore's court confidence after last year's injury layoff. Kane emphasized that the coaching committee and athletic department trainers remain focused on giving Cilekova consistent high-level match experience throughout the fall tournament slate to prepare the squad for spring Atlantic Coast Conference dual matches in Berkeley.

Cilekova will now travel to Southern California at the beginning of November to compete in the ITA West Sectional Championship hosted by the University of Southern California, where berths to the NCAA individual championships will be on the line. Tennis supporters and alumni across the East Bay can follow live tournament draws, match results, and spring schedules at Hellman Tennis Complex on Piedmont Avenue and Bancroft Way by visiting calbears.com or calling (800) 462-3277.