Alabama Women's Tennis Loses to Miami
2/8/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
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The No. 30 University of Alabama women’s tennis team played well but came up short this afternoon, losing to No. 22 (ITA) Miami 5-2 in Coral Gables, Fla.
Sophomore Nathalie Koppelle beat the No. 97 ranked Melissa Applebaum in three sets at No. 2 singles. Koppelle lost the first set but bounced back and dominated Applebaum in the final two sets to win, 2-6, 6-1, 6-1. Alabama’s No. 1 doubles team of Robin Stephenson and Ashley Bentley also got a big win doubles play with an 8-6 victory over the Hurricanes team of Applebaum and Megan Bradley. Bradley is ranked No. 11 in singles.
“We played tough and came up short,” said Alabama head coach Jenny Mainz. “We competed well and we are coming closer to where we want to be. I was happy with our team energy and spirit. I thought it was very high and contagious.”
Bentley got the other singles win with a two set victory over senior Mari Toro. The Tide sophomore defeated Toro, 6-3, 6-4. Stephenson, who lost to No. 11 Bradley at No. 1 singles, lost in three sets, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 4-6.
“I’m encouraged by this match,” Mainz said. “But we have to put ourselves in the position to win the match.”
The Crimson Tide will return home Sunday for the first time since Jan. 23 when they host No. 54 Florida State. The match begins at noon and admission is free at the Hank Crisp Indoor Tennis Facility.
Complete Match Results Follow:
Miami 5, Alabama 2
Doubles:
1. Robin Stephenson/Ashley Bentley (UA) d. Megan Bradley/Melissa Applebaum (UM), 8-6
2. Sihem Bennacer/Sara Robbins (UM) d. Nathalie Koppelle/Melissa Minor (UA), 9-8
3. Mari Toro/Audrey Banada (UM) d. Natalie McElveen/Mari Muller (UA), 8-4
Singles:
1. No. 11 Bradley (UM) d. Stephenson (UA), 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4
2. Koppelle (UA) d. No. 97 Applebaum (UM), 2-6, 6-1, 6-1
3. Bentley (UA) d. Toro, 6-3, 6-4
4. No. 99 Staci Stevens (UM) d. Minor (UA) 7-5, 6-2
5. Banada (UM) d. Muller (UA), 6-4, 6-1
6. Bennacer (UM) d. McElveen (UA), 7-5, 1-1 (Ret. Inj.)
