PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif.—Idaho junior Marianna Petrei claimed one of eight qualifying slots into the main draw of the Riviera/ITA Women's All-American Championships on Wednesday. The tournament features the best players from across the NCAA.

"Marianna is playing very well, considering we have not had a lot of opportunities to practice," head coach Babar Akbar commented. "We have had a rough start to our fall season with the weather. She has shown that she is going to fight no matter what the situation is."

The reigning Big Sky MVP began individual play on Tuesday with a pair of wins. She opened against Yale's Mimi Levine. Petrei ranked No. 71 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's preseason rankings, won the first set 6-3. Levine returned the favor in the second with a 6-3 win to tie the match. Petrie prevailed in the third with a 6-1 decision.

Petrei's second match came against the No. 43 player in the nation. She upended Oklahoma State's Vladica Babic in three sets, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, to advance to Wednesday's final qualifying round.

The Udine, Italy native, next drew UCLA's Jada Hart. Hart, ranked No. 73, defeated the No. 48 and No. 66 ranked players to get to Wednesday's action. Petrei opened the match with a quick 6-2 win over Hart. She clinched the match in a tight second set, advancing with a 7-5 win.

"Marianna has shown that she belongs here," Akbar added. "She played some very tough opponents. We are going to see how far we can go. It will be great for her and the program. Now we know we can compete with the best."   

Petrei's opponent in the round of 32 will be determined later on Wednesday evening.