Bama Falls to Iowa 3-4
2/11/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- The no. 50 Alabama women's tennis team fell to Iowa today at the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility.
The Tide jumped out to a quick lead over Iowa, securing the doubles point in the first two contests. However, Iowa fought back winning three of the first four singles matches, giving them a one point advantage heading into the final two contests. Alabama's Alice Tunaru won the next point at the no. 5 slot, tying the score at 3, but the Hawkeyes prevailed, earning the last point and winning the match 4-3.
"It was a tough day for the Tide," stated head coach Jenny Mainz. "We put ourselves in a really good position, sweeping all three doubles for the first time this season but we couldn't capitalize on the momentum. Shelley (Godwin) and Bianca (Svensson) have been solid so far this year in doubles and that has helped this team move forward. We competed hard across the board but we still don't have the experience to win in the pressure situations. We have to keep our eyes forward, make some adjustments and focus on UT Chatanooga."
Alabama's Shelley Godwin and Bianca Svensson defeated Kayla Berry and Merely Beelin, 8-4, at the no. 3 slot after jumping out to an early lead while Mari Muller paired up with Sofia Ayala for the first time to defeat Iowa's Hillary Mintz and Kelcie Klockenga, 8-4, at the no. 1 spot. The pair clinched the doubles point, earning their first win of the year.
Freshmen Nicole Briceno and Paulina Bigos also teamed up in their first dual match together, earning a win over Iowa's Jacqueline Lee and Milly Veselinovic, 8-7 (4). The duo came back after trailing 4-7, picking up the third doubles victory for the Tide.
In singles, Briceno added another mark in the win column, defeating Iowa's Klockenga, 6-3, 6-0. With the win, Briceno improved to 12-8 on the season and is a perfect 3-0 in singles at the no. 4 slot.
Alabama's Muller, Godwin, and Ayala fell to their opponents in straight sets giving Iowa a one point advantage heading into the final two singles matches. Lee defeated Muller, 6-4, 6-1, Ayala lost to Mintz, 6-3, 6-2, and Godwin lost to Veselinovic, 6-1, 6-4.
Freshman Alice Tuanru tied the match at 3 points a piece, defeating Iowa's Berry in three sets, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, heading into the final contest of the match.
Iowa's Merel Beelen defeated Andrea Brenes in three sets, 6-3, 7-5, 6-3, clinching the match for the Hawkeyes.
Alabama returns to action next weekend against UT-Chattanooga Friday, Feb. 16 at 6 pm at the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility. Live stats will be made available through www.rolltide.com.
--UA--
Results
Singles:
1. Jacqueline Lee (Iowa) def. Mari Muller (UA) 6-4, 6-1
2. Milly Veselinovic (Iowa) def. Shelley Godwin (UA) 6-1, 6-4
3. Hillary Mintz (Iowa) def. Sofia Ayala (UA) 6-3, 6-2
4. Nicole Briceno (UA) def. Kelcie Klockenga (Iowa) 6-3, 6-0
5. Alice Tunaru (UA) def. Kayla Berry (Iowa) 6-4, 3-6, 6-2
6. Merel Beelen (Iowa) def. Andrea Brenes (UA) 3-6, 7-5, 3-6
Order of finish: 4,1,3,2,5,6
Doubles:
1. Mari Muller/Sofia Ayala (UA) def. Hillary Mintz/Kelcie Klockenga (Iowa) 8-4
2. Nicole Briceno/Paulina Bigos (UA) def. Jacqueline Lee/Milly Veselinovic (Iowa) 8-7 (4)
3. Shelley Godwin/Bianca Svensson (UA) def. Kayla Berry/Merel Beelin (Iowa) 8-4
Order of finish: 3,1,2
