Teenager tennis sensation Angella Okutoyi started her 2023 campaign with a morale-boosting win in the Desert Tournament on Saturday, January 14.
Okutoyi, who partnered with American international Ariana Arseneault formed a formidable alliance to win the match by a 6-3 score.
They overcame the Texas Tech duo of Metka Komac and Avelina Sayfetdinova in the game played at the Indian Wells Garden in California, United States.
Also Read: From Orphanage to Tennis Stardom: The Story of Angella Okutoyi
Okutoyi's head coach Caroline Lilley praised her charges for the impeccable performance.
"We exhibited incredible poise and composure throughout our matches this afternoon.
"The details make a big difference and choosing to be professional and navigate adversity only makes us stronger.
“The way we fight with, and for, one another is a testament to how unshakable a unit this team is," she ended.
Okutoyi and Arseneault are expected to play their next match on Sunday against opponents from the host school Kansas.
Okutoyi, a 2022 Wimbledon champion, landed an education scholarship from Alabama-based Auburn University in October last year and she is expected to make her senior debut later this year.
She received more than 20 scholarships but settled for Auburn University since their offer appealed to her.
Her twin sibling Roselida Asumwa also recently got a scholarship from Cowley College.