Tennis: WVU Hosts Vulcans
March 19, 2008 06:31 PM | General
By Steve Stone for MSNsportsNET.com
March 19, 2008
MORGANTOWN. W.Va. – The West Virginia University tennis team looks for its fourth straight win as it takes on Division II opponent California-Pennsylvania on Thursday, March 20, at noon at the Ridgeview Racquet Club.
Led by sophomore Stephanie LaFortune’s four victories last weekend, the Mountaineers (8-4, 2-1 BIG EAST) will host its third non-conference opponent this season and plays its first Division II opponent.
“Right now we are heading into our last segment of the season,” says WVU Head Coach Marc Walters. “We are going to reevaluate ourselves when we play in these non-conference matches and see where we can better at.”
WVU picked up two close BIG EAST matches last weekend against Cincinnati and Seton Hall, winning 4-3 in each contest. The emergence of senior Stacey Percival at No. 1 singles and a steady season by Natalia Prinz at No. 3 singles has contributed to the Mountaineers’ recent hot streak.
A key to WVU’s string of success has been in doubles competition, where it has picked up the doubles point in its last three matches. The Mountaineers have received a large boost from Ashley Pilsbury and Monique Burton at No. 3 doubles.
The Vulcans (15-1) are one of the top Division II squads in the country and lost a tight match to WVU last season, 5-4. Making its second straight trip to Morgantown, California provides a challenge to the Mountaineers and is credited heavily by Walters.
“California is a very good team,” says Walters. “They are one of the top teams in Division II and they were tough against us last year. Hopefully our girls can continue to compete at a high level.”
