The UB women's tennis team began their fall 2001 campaign Saturday with an impressive 5-2 victory over St. Francis University. Their seniors exemplified the experience and leadership needed to thrive in the Mid-American Conference.
In the most closely contested match of the day, UB's junior Karen Maynard and senior Shari Amarasinghe defeated St. Francis' Amy Croskey and Jamie Delorie in an 8-6 barn burner. The second doubles team, senior Anne Schule and sophomore Lisa Wittman, fell 6-8 to Mary Byrer and Lesley Wenzel. At the third doubles spot, seniors Kendra Pyke and Jennifer Wong were victorious over Jessica Frederick and Kendra Fewell.
UB's team continued to show their poise and fine execution in singles play. Maynard again got the better of Croskey, albeit it by the slimmest of margins. After dropping the second-set tie-break, Maynard fought back to win the third and take the match by 6-1, 6-7, 6-4. Michaela Kollarova annihilated Byrer, dropping only one game in a 6-0, 6-1 second-singles cakewalk.
At third singles Amarasinghe suffered a 6-2, 6-3 defeat at the hands of Jamie Delorie. Wong also was defeated at the fourth singles spot by Wenzel, 6-4, 6-3. With the match still in doubt, the Bulls relied on the seniors Anne Schule and Meaghan Partelow to ensure victory. Schule defeated Angela Palma 6-4,6-2 at the fifth singles slot, while Partelow scored a 6-0,6-1 knock-out on Jessica Frederick.
"It was a great start to the season," said UB Coach Kathy Twist.
The Bulls next play at the St. Bonaventure University tournament Sept. 28-30.
