WACO, Texas -- Sophomore Karina Traxler opened the Baylor women's tennis season with a victory in the Bush's $50,000 Waco Showdown Wildcard at Hurd Tennis Center Friday afternoon.

After falling to Julieanne Bou in the first set, 7-5, Traxler rebounded in a big way with back-to-back 6-1 results in the second and third.

"Karina showed great composure while shaking the rust of her game," head coach Joey Scrivano said of her efforts. "She really improved her focus and played with more margin and the second and third sets. I'm proud of how she finished."

With the win, Traxler advances to face senior Blair Shankle in semifinal action on Saturday at 10 a.m. (CT). Freshman Jessica Hinojosa, junior Theresa Van Zyl, and sophomore Elizabeth Profit also compete at 10 a.m. in semifinals for a spot in quarterfinals at 3 p.m.

The three-day tournament concludes with the finale match on Sunday at 10 a.m. The winner earns a position in the Bush's $50,000 Waco Showdown on Nov. 6-13 at Hurd Tennis Center.

For the latest news on the Baylor women's tennis team, follow its official Twitter account: @BaylorWTennis.