DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – It wasn't football, so that Michelle Ncube victory at Miami didn't produce a chain of any type.

But any victory over Atlantic Coast Conference competition generates something, and that 3-6,7-5, 1-0 victory over Miami's Ana Madcur at the Bedford resulted in the Bethune-Cookman freshman receiving a lot of attention as the tournament progressed.

"Oh, a lot of the coaches came over and started talking," recalled Head Coach Val Villucci. "They were asking questions – `who is she? Where's she from? How did we find her?"  
 
That was the ninth consecutive Fall win of the season for Ncube, who hails from South Africa. Her streak ended with her falling 6-3,6-0 to Florida Gulf Coast's Maja Ornberg in the second round and a subsequent consolation bracket setback.  The victory marked the Wildcats' first triumph over Atlantic Coast Conference competition since 2014.

"It wasn't about winning or losing, it was staying with the point and to keep battling," Ncube said. "I know I'll have more opportunities like that. I have to stay positive and keep learning."

Ncube's learning  curve continues this weekend at the Juan Varon Wildcat Invitational hosted by Bethune-Cookman at the Florida Tennis Center.  While the clay surface tournament makes the tournament both unique and attractive, Ncube admits she's not accustomed to playing on clay.

"I'm going to give it a shot," Ncube said. "I'll try to learn how to slide."

The tournament was launched in 2014 to honor Varon, a former Wildcat team captain who lost his life in a traffic accident. Varon lobbied long and hard to launch the tournament to give an opportunity to play on clay courts, which appeals to international players.

After a one-year hiatus, the tournament was reinstated last year, with Varon's parents and family in attendance.

"It would be sad not to recognize a great student-athlete who had an impact on this program," Villucci said. "Meeting the family last year solidified my feeling this tournament is something important."

Eighteen men's and women's teams are scheduled to compete. Action begins Friday at noon and continues through Sunday. Admission is free.

B-CU NOTES: Junior Phatsimo Ruele won her singles and doubles flights last year … The Wildcat men are looking for a strong finish after winning the HBCU National Championship tournament and a solid Bedford Cup showing that including four first-round wins … Victor Bravo advanced to his flight final in the tournament last year … Juan David Navarro is a combined 13-4 in Fall play this season ... Varon himself had that last ACC victory in a doubles match against Florida State.

THE FIELD:  Eastern Florida State's Frederik Oervard qualified for the Oracle Junior College ITA Cup by finishing second in the ITA Regional Championships … Flagler's Luca Bolla was ranked 16^th in the nation in Division II last season. Stetson, Embry-Riddle and Florida A&M are among the teams represented.

WEEKEND COVERAGE: Visit the Tournament Central page for updated draws and  our official twitter feed --@CatsTennis -- for updated results.