Lang-Gould and Shalakova Bring Home Titles in Colorado Springs

 
POCATELLO, Idaho- Gretchen Maloney had the best seat in the house as she watched Megan Lang-Gould and Stefanya Shalakova win titles in their draws and Hana Cho win the consolation title in her draw at the Bedford Cup in Colorado Springs.

For the Bengals the title matches pitted Bengals against Bengals so instead of coaching, Maloney and the rest of the team sat back, watched and supported each player.

Lang-Gould defeated Leah Kuruvilla 6-4, 6-1 to win the title of the Delta Singles draw and Shalakova beat Olivia Mikkelson , 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (9).

"We didn't coach," Maloney said. "It was nice that both matches were right next to each other so we all just watch and gave all the players encouragement."

Hana Cho also came away with the Consolation championship in her draw by beating Lisa Zhu of New Mexico State, 6-1, 6-4.

"This weekend showed me that this team is really coachable," Maloney said on her team. "They do all the right things and they believe they deserved to win. They walkout with confidence because they know they can win and if something is not working right they adjust. This whole weekend the entire team was unbelievable. They were crazy good."

On Lang-Gould's weekend Maloney said, "She has not found her game this fall until this tournament. Her semi-final match she was really strong. She found her game this tournament."

On Shalakova's weekend, "She was really consistent and kept the ball in play."


The Bengals had the best winning percentage out of all 10 teams in the tournament. Going into the final day of the tournament, ISU had the best winning percentage out of all 10 teams at 64 percent (18-10).

"I am so proud of the entire team," Maloney said. "Everyone brought it this weekend. It was amazing and I couldn't have asked for more. We put our face out there that ISU is good."