University of Kentucky womens tennis took another big step on Tuesday at the 2000 T. Rowe Price National Clay CourtChampionships in Baltimore. The UK doubles pair of senior Brooke Skeen and sophomore Leigh Bradwell coasted through thequalifying round to join fellow Cats Carolina Mayorga and Sarah Witten in the main draw of Clay Courts.

Skeen and Bradwell received a bye through the first round before handily defeating teams from Maryland and Weber State in thenext two matches. The nations 45th-ranked duo will now advance to the round of 16 teams.

“I am really happy with the performance that was given today,” Coach Mark Guilbeau said. “They worked hard and played great.”

Due to heavy rain Tuesdays singles competition was delayed and is expected to pick up on Wednesday. Skeen, Bradwell, Mayorgaand Witten will be joined by Amy Trefethen in the singles bracket and will all begin vying for a spot in the main draw beginningtomorrow.