Harding's Zarate Valdez Makes History at ITA Central Regional Championship

EDMOND, Okla. — Harding sophomore Alexia Zarate Valdez etched her name in the Lady Bison record books, becoming the first player in program history to reach the finals of the ITA Division II Central Regional Championships.

Zarate Valdez, from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, navigated a challenging Flight A singles bracket at Edmond Center Court. She won five matches before falling to Southern Arkansas' Amelie Gindl 2-6, 2-6 in the championship match.

The sophomore's impressive run began with a 7-6, 7-6 victory over Southern Arkansas' Josie Holderback in the Round of 64. She then defeated Nebraska-Kearney's Alexis Bernthal 6-1, 6-2, Newman's Dana Issabayeva 6-1, 6-3, and Northwest Missouri's Marielena Muench 6-1, 6-7, 12-10.

Zarate Valdez's achievement surpasses the previous program best, set most recently by Rylie Cox in 2018, who reached the quarterfinals.

Harding junior Karli Roux also had a strong showing in Flight A singles, advancing to the quarterfinals with wins over Nebraska-Kearney's Mariya Hatouka, Ouachita Baptist's Ruxandra Tolescu, and Augustana's Smilte Bakyte.

In Flight B singles, senior Madison Stafford won four matches to reach the semifinals before the remainder of the tournament was canceled due to inclement weather.

In doubles action, the Harding duo of Roux and Zarate Valdez excelled in Flight A, earning an 8-2 win over Missouri Western and an 8-5 victory over Central Oklahoma. They ultimately fell 8-3 to Washburn's Isabella Martensson and Leonie Floeth in the quarterfinals.

Harding's next action is Oct. 18-19 at the GAC Individual Championships. The Lady Bisons will host the tournament for the first time.

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Players Mentioned

Karli Roux: 5' 7"; Freshman

Madison Stafford: 5' 11"; Senior

Alexia Zarate Valdez: 5' 8"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Karli Roux
: 5' 7"; Freshman

Madison Stafford
: 5' 11"; Senior

Alexia Zarate Valdez
: 5' 8"; Sophomore