Starting today, Wisconsin women's tennis team ace Caitlin Burke will face some of the top competition in the country at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's Indoor National Championship, hosted by Ohio State University in Columbus.

The Cedarburg, Wis. native Burke, who is the No. 31-ranked women's collegiate tennis player in the nation, qualified for the tournament after a very impressive showing at the ITA All-American championships last month. After starting in the qualifying draw, the senior won her way into the main draw and made it all the way to the quarterfinals.

This time, Burke looks to make her way through a tough field of 32 and anticipates a strong match against Fresno State's 4th seeded Melanie Gloria. Gloria advanced to the finals of the ITA All-American tournament in October, and is ranked No. 19 in the nation.

"I drew the fourth seed in the first round, and she's a very good and tough player," Burke said. "I just have to give it my best effort and hope to win."

Both Gloria and Burke lost to the ITA eventual champion, California's Suzi Babos, who is also the No. 1 seed in the Indoor Championships.

Burke will look to rebound from an ankle injury sustained three weeks ago and is feeling very confident about her game.

"After a good All-American tournament, I'm feeling very confident," Burke said. "The ankle feels a lot better, and I got to run all out on it this week after having to miss a couple weeks of practice."

Although Burke is facing some of the toughest players in the nation, including the No. 4 seed in the first round, she is able to stay calm, yet motivated for the tournament.

"I haven't set any goals other than to just go out there and play my best," Burke said. "I know I'm in there with the top competition in the country, but I just need to stay focused and stay confident in myself."

Burke is the sole Big Ten player that qualified for the tournament through the All-American tournament. The only other Big Ten representative will be Ohio State's Julie Blackmore, who received an automatic bid due to the tournament taking place on her campus.

Burke will be the only Badger traveling to Columbus for the tournament as the rest of the team heads to Kalamazoo, Mich., to participate in the Western Michigan University Super Challenge, from Nov. 3-5.

When asked about competing by herself versus competing with the whole team, Burke replied, "It's nice to go to individual tournaments for me and can boost my reputation and game, but I prefer being with the team. It's a more fun and positive experience than being alone and with the coaches. I'd like to end the fall season on a good note and play some of my best tennis."

The tournament in Columbus marks Burke's last competition of the fall season along with the rest of the team competing in Kalamazoo. The Indoor National Championship tournament starts today, Nov. 2, and goes through Nov. 5, depending on how deep Burke makes it in the tournament.