DENTON, Texas (7/24/12) - North Texas senior Valentina Starkova took first place at the ITA Summer Circuit tournament at UT Arlington last weekend, where she advanced to the finals of the singles and doubles draws.

Starkova was seeded No. 5 overall in a draw of 80 players in the women's open singles tournament.  In order to advance to the semifinals, Starkova had to play a match against her doubles partner, Katy Collins, which she won 6-3, 6-4.

Starkova went on to beat No. 2 seeded Crystal Leung, from Columbia University, 6-4, 6-0 to advance to the finals.  Starkova won on default after the No. 1 seed, Elizabeth Begley, had to withdraw.

"I wasn't nervous about making it to the finals," said Starkova.  "I was upset that she (Begley) had to withdraw and we didn't get to play.  I knew I would have done great.  I'm really excited for my senior year."

Starkova was partnered with Katy Collins, of Texas State, for the doubles tournament.  The pair was seeded No. 2 overall.  The pair beat multiple ranked opponents on their way to the finals match.  Crystal Leung and Nicole Long defeated Starkova-Collins, 8-1, in the final match.

Starkova is one of five returning members of the SBC Championship team.