Top-Ranked Georgia Downs Alabama Women?s Tennis
3/25/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
ATHENS, Ga.- The No. 61 University of Alabama women's tennis team took a 1-0 lead after the doubles lineup but could not hold on as top-ranked Georgia swept the singles, defeating the Tide, 6-1, at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex in Athens, Ga.
"Winning the doubles point against the No. 1 team in the country was a moral victory for our team," said Alabama head coach Jenny Mainz. "We got off to a fast start and got after them from the beginning. In singles, Georgia gained control early and their shots were difficult to defend."
Alabama came out strong in doubles, picking up two of the three matches against a team known for its strong doubles play. Alabama is one of only three teams to rob the Bulldogs of the doubles point this season.
Alabama pair Paulina Bigos and Nicole Briceno cruised by Adrienne Elsberry and Naoko Ueshima at the No. 3 slot, 8-4, to give the Tide its first victory of the match. The No.2 tandem of Shelley Godwin and Bianca Svensson defeated No. 30 Monica Dancevic and Kelley Hyndman, 8-6, to clinch the point. Dancevic and Hyndman is the highest ranked pair the Alabama duo has defeated this season. With the win, the pair improves to 12-8 in dual matches, 1-0 against ranked opponents.
The Bulldogs rallied back in singles, however, earning four decisive victories at Nos. 3, 2, 6 and 4 to give them the win. Kelley Hyndman clinched the match for Georgia by defeating Alabama's Alice Tunaru at the No. 4 slot, 6-2, 6-2. Georgia closed out the match with victories at Nos. 1 and 6.
Alabama continues conference play on the road next weekend, facing Florida in Gainsville, Fla. on Friday, March 30 before heading to Columbia, S.C. to battle South Carolina on Sunday, April 1.
-UA-
No. 1 Georgia 6, No. 61 Alabama 1
Athens, Ga.
Dan Magill Tennis Complex
Results:
Singles Competition
1. No. 6 Natalie Frazier (UGA) def. Mari Muller (UA) 6-1, 6-1
2. No. 36 Monica Dancevic (UGA) def. Nicole Briceno (UA) 6-1, 6-2
3. No. 58 Yvette Hyndman (UGA) def. Shelley Godwin (UA) 6-0, 6-1
4. Kelley Hyndman (UGA) def. Alice Tunaru (UA) 6-2, 6-2
5. No. 78 Darya Ivanov (UGA) def. Andrea Brenes (UA) 6-1, 6-2
6. Naoko Ueshima (UGA) def. Bianca Svensson (UA) 6-0, 6-1
Doubles Competition
1. No. 14 Yvette Hyndman/Darya Ivanov (UGA) def. Mari Muller/Andrea Brenes (UA) 8-6
2. Shelley Godwin/Bianca Svensson (UA) def. No. 30 Monica Dancevic/Kelley Hyndman (UGA) 8-6
3. Nicole Briceno/Paulina Bigos (UA) def. Adrienne Elsberry/Naoko Ueshima (UGA) 8-4
Order of finish: Doubles (1,3,2*); Singles (3,2,6,4*,1,6)
