UNC Greensboro 5, Georgia Southern 2
GREENSBORO, N.C. ? UNC Greensboro won four singles matches in straight sets and swept all three doubles pro-sets to earn its first win of the spring season, defeating Southern Conference rival Georgia Southern, 5-2, in women’s tennis action at Piedmont Indoor Tennis Center on Sunday.
The Spartans got straight set singles wins from Alejandra Guerra, Arielle VonStrolley, Valerie Behr and Lucy Dougherty, to win their conference opener. Guerra, who was ranked No. 69 in the nation when the new ITA singles rankings were released on Friday, had the easiest time, blowing past Kristi Kegerreis, 6-1 and 6-0. Dougherty also made quick work of Jessica Fuller at No. 5 singles, 6-1 and 6-2.
The Spartans return to action on March 2 when they travel to Colorado Springs, CO to take on Wyoming and Air Force in a day-night doubleheader.
Furman 6, Winthrop 1
GREENVILLE, S.C. ? The Furman women's tennis team picked up its second win over a ranked opponent this season, knocking off #64 Winthrop, 6-1, at the Mickel Tennis Center on Sunday afternoon. Freshman Susan Bitteti clinched the match for Furman (3-5) with her three-set victory at number four singles. With the loss, Winthrop drops to 5-3 on the season.
Furman opened the day winning two of the three doubles matches to earn the team point. Laura Gioia and Monica Arguello rolled to an 8-2 victory against Patricia Coimbra and Elizaveta Zaytseva at number one. Jessica Preeg and Bitteti secured the point for the Lady Paladins, defeating Paula Pereira and Sara Abutovic, 8-4, at the third spot.
The Lady Paladins quickly increased their advantage with wins at number one and two singles. No. 11 Gioia defeated Zaytseva, 6-2, 6-1, and No. 94 Arguello topped Coimbra, 6-4, 6-3.
Winthrop got on the board with a win at number three singles, but Bitteti rebounded from a loss in the first set to defeat Abutovic, 1-6, 6-1, 6-2, and clinch the match. Furman senior Lauren Tomory was also victorious, earning a 6-3, 6-3 win over Lisa Wilkinson at number five. Sophomore Jennifer Betts closed the day with a 4-6, 6-2, 10-7 victory over Pereira.
Furman has a short break before it heads to San Diego, Calif. for the USD Invitational. The Lady Paladins will challenge host San Diego in their first match on Thursday, March 12 at 1 p.m. EST.
Alabama 7, Samford 0
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. --- The Samford women’s tennis team squared off against its highest-ranked opponent of the 2009 season Sunday and dropped a 7-0 decision on the road against the 65th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide at the UA Tennis Stadium.
With the loss, Samford (1-3) fell to 0-1 on the road this season. Alabama (7-0) remained undefeated during the 2009 campaign and improved to 7-0 when playing at home. After facing Samford in the morning session, the Crimson Tide also hosted Southern Miss and turned in a similar 7-0 victory.
The Samford University women’s tennis team will next be in action Wednesday at 2 p.m., as the Bulldogs welcome the UAB Blazers to the Samford Tennis Center for an intra-city dual match.