SAN FRANCISCO – Academy of Art women's tennis signee Erica Hellbe has been busy competing in both singles and doubles tournaments in her home country of Sweden to prepare for her arrival to the United States.
 
"It feels great to be able to compete again and having such an early win creates more confidence and motivation to continue the hard work and play my best tennis," said Hellbe.
 
The Swedish native has taken part in both singles and doubles competition, but the incoming freshman has shined with a partner on the court, as she has finished in the top three in her two doubles tournaments. Beginning with the SEB Karlskrona Open in Karlskrona, No. 1 seeded Hellbe and partner Viktoria Leth would oust Elise Broden and Tilda Loudd, 6-1, 6-2 in the semifinals before dispatching of No. 2 seed Vanja Cado and Alice Klinteby in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1 for the championship.
 
While at the Holmen Paper Cup in Norrkoping, Hellbe and Leth would begin as the No. 4 seed and earn an identical set quarterfinal victory, 6-1, 6-1. However, the duo would drop the semifinal match in a tie-breaking third set to No. 1 seed and eventual champions Sara Salemyr and Smila Kjaergaard, 6-2, 5-7, 10-8, finishing in third place.
 
"Erica has been working hard weeks prior for her tournament season and it is paying off," said head coach Clarisse Baca. "Her doubles experience will definitely strengthen our doubles lineup."