Overall it was a bittersweet experience for the women's tennis as it endured an up and down two days this weekend. Records were set Friday night and streaks were broken just as easily on Saturday.
Friday, senior Miglena Nenova became Buffalo's all time leader in singles victories. Nenova's 60th win propelled the Bulls to a 7-0 victory over Colgate. The Bulls lost only one set the entire day, moving their record to 6-0 on the season.
"We like when records like that are broken," said women's tennis head coach Kathy Twist. "She really deserves that record. She can play any position for us, either the No. 1 or 2. She's an athlete you can count on, she deserved that 60th win."
Nenova's 6-1, 6-1 victory over Colgate's Elise Derose brings the seniors record to 10-2 on the season. In setting the record for singles victories, Nenova passed current assistant head coach Kristen Ortman on the all-time list.
"It's always bitter sweet," Twist said. "Kristen is always a team player. She just chuckled. That's great and she deserves it."
In addition to her victory in singles play, Nenova also helped the Bulls pull out a doubles match victory with the help of freshman Denise Harijanto. The No. 1 duo for the Bulls comfortably won the match 8-3, upping their mark this season to 14-4.
Junior Smaranda Stan continued her hot play, winning her ninth consecutive singles match this season. Stan easily handled Colgate's Erin Fenn 6-0, 6-2 to improve her record to 15-1 on the year. Stan also paired with senior Katrin Fischer for a victory in the second doubles match, defeating Samantha Inacker and Jackie Stimmel, 8-5.
Saturday the Bulls faltered on their chance for lucky No. 7, falling to Cornell University, 6-1. Freshman Denise Harijanto picked up the lone victory for a shorthanded Bulls team. Playing in the No. 1 match, Harijanto used a third set tiebreaker to defeat Cornell's Elizabeth Googe 6-3, 4-6, 1-0 (10-7).
Buffalo came into the day short handed due to injuries. Junior Andreea Novaceanu continued to sit out with an ankle injury and senior Natalie Dean suffered a pulled stomach muscle and was unable to play.
"I think we really fought Cornell," Twist said. "Two of our top players were out. Everyone stepped up. It's good for them to play at a higher level. I'm pleased with this weekend. I can't say they didn't fight."
Nenova could not continue the momentum of her historic victory into Saturday, dropping her singles match 6-2, 6-2 to Cornell's Kasia Preneta. Nenova also faltered in doubles play alongside Harijanto, losing 8-3 to Susan Sullivan and Googe. In a bid to win her 10th match in a row, Stan was narrowly defeated by Tamara John, losing in a third set tiebreaker 6-7, 6-4, 1-0 (10-6).
"Everyone stepped up," Twist said. "It's good for them to play at a higher level. Our freshman stepped up to the No. 1 position. It's really good for them to see what its like to go to a different position. When we play a MAC team we want to make sure we have already been there. Any weaknesses that were exposed were going to work on them now. Just get better with each week."
The loss is the first on the season for the Bulls who previously won all six of their matches in dominant fashion. Five of the Bulls six victories this season came by a 7-0 score, with the other a 4-3 win at Syracuse.
In one week the Bulls will travel down to Florida to begin a new streak. Buffalo will face Hillsborough CC Monday afternoon at 3 p.m. However, the spring vacation will not last long before the Bulls return north to begin Mid-American Conference play, opening on the road against Ball State on March 23.
"We have a couple of injuries," Twist said. "They've really been pushing themselves. Placing a lot of demands on their bodies. We going to work hard, but there will also be some relaxation time for them to heal up their injuries and rest up for the MAC."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
