LAWRENCE, KS - Bradley junior Malini Wijesinghe was a late addition into the 128-player singles draw at the ITA Central Regional Championships, presented by Oracle, but she made the most of her late inclusion as an alternate by earning a first-round win, highlighting the opening day of competition for the Braves Thursday.
Wijesinghe teamed with senior Alexa Brandt for Bradley's lone entry in the 64-team doubles draw, but the Braves suffered an 8-4 loss to Iowa's Crawford/Reimchen duo to get the day started. Originally listed as an alternate when the 128-player singles draw was announced Wednesday, Wijesinghe was granted a spot in the field following Wednesday night's coaches meeting and she responded with a 6-2, 6-3 victory against Nebraska's Emily Rees.