Tennis: WVU Bounces Back, Beats St. John's, 4-2
April 20, 2007 08:51 PM | General
April 20, 2007
TAMPA, Fla. – After a disappointing loss to No. 12 Rutgers in the BIG EAST Tournament’s first round, West Virginia University’s tennis team recuperated and sent St. John’s home, defeating the Red Storm, 4-1, in the first round of the ninth place bracket on Friday, April 20, at the USF Varsity Tennis Courts.
“We really had to play tough today, and we certainly did,” coach Marc Walters says. “I’m really proud of the team because this was a huge win for us. It shows our character and clinches our winning season.”
The Mountaineers (13-11, 7-2) got on the board first, winning the doubles team point. No. 2 doubles Monica Lyskawa and Kelly Walsh defeated Ira Aleksova and Lauren Leo, 8-0, and No. 3 doubles Ashley Constantine and Gabriela Blaskovicova defeated Ashley Harper and Gabija Gasiunaite, 8-6.
“That No. 3 doubles win was huge for us,” Walters says. “It gave the team the bounce it needed heading into the singles matches.”
Senior Walsh made quick work of her opponent in the No. 4 singles match, defeating Leo, 6-1, 6-2.
“Our seniors really showed up today,” says Walters. “It’s great to see them play so well in their last tournament.”
Freshman Blaskovicova, making her first singles appearance since March 24, secured the next point for WVU, defeating Harper in the No. 6 match, 7-5, 6-2.
“Gabby played a tough and focused match, which was especially important because she hasn’t played a singles match in so long,” Walters says.
Freshman Alexandra Kaluza secured the win for the Mountaineers, defeating Gasiunaite in the No. 5 match, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1.
WVU will now face Seton Hall for ninth place in the BIG EAST Tournament. This will be the first meeting for the two teams this season. The Mountaineers and Pirates were to meet in Morgantown on March 18, but the match was scratched due to inclement weather. First serve for tomorrow’s match is set for 3 p.m.
WVU 4, STJ 1
Singles
1. Natalya Tumsevica (STJ) def. Natalia Prinz (WVU) (6-1, 6-4)
2. Stacey Percival (WVU) vs. Alison Ademski (STJ), retired (5-7, 6-4, 3-4)
3. Monica Lyskawa (WVU) vs. Ira Aleksova (STJ), retired (3-6, 6-1, 3-2)
4. Kelly Walsh (WVU) def. Lauren Leo (STJ) (6-1, 6-2)
5. Alexandra Kaluza (WVU) def. Gabija Gasiunaite (STJ) (6-4, 4-6, 6-1)
6. Gabriela Blaskovicova (WVU) def. Ashley Harper (STJ) (7-5, 6-2)
Doubles
1. Ademski/Tumsevica (STJ) def. Prinz/Percival (WVU) (8-3)
2. Lyskawa/Walsh (WVU) def. Aleksova/Leo (STJ) (8-0)
3. Blaskovicova/Ashley Constantine (WVU) def. Harper/Gasiunaite (STJ) (8-6)
