Southern Illinois University
Indiana St
Women's Tennis Falls To Indiana State, 4-3
04/17/2003 | 12:00:00 | Women's Tennis
April 17, 2003
Carbondale, Ill. - The cold air at the University Courts on Thursday would make anyone shiver, but the women's tennis team didn't seem to notice. Even after losing a close match to Indiana State, 4-3, SIU team members felt good about their play and huddled around head coach Judy Auld who told them to stay strong and focus on their next match.
"We wanted this one," said Auld. "This match was important, but we're okay and I was happy to see the wins that we got."
The Salukis were able to win the crucial doubles point with wins by Alejandra and Maria Blanco, as well as Jessica Knitter and Tana Trapani. Knitter also won her eleventh singles match at the No. 3 spot, defeating Magda Marczewska, 5-7, 6-4, 6-1.
Though SIU lost, the team was given hope with the return of Trapani to the singles lineup. It was her first singles match in more than a year ... and she won. Trapani pounded Laura Whitney, 6-0, 6-3, at the No. 6 position.
"It feels so great to be back. I'm excited." said Trapani. "I've been looking forward to playing singles tennis again for a long time."
Trapani, the 2000-01 MVC co-Freshman of the Year, believes that the rest of this season and starting at the bottom of the lineup will give her time to work back into her game and get back to top physical condition.
"It was disappointing to get injured and be out for that long, but it was for the best," said Trapani. "I was able to grow as a person, while watching and learning more about tennis from the sidelines."
SIU drops to 7-13 overall, 4-3 in the MVC, and will continue its home stand tomorrow (Friday) at 3pm against Bradley. Results can be found at www.siusalukis.com.
SIU vs. Indiana State
Loss, 4-3
Singles:
No. 1 - Carolina Salinas (INS) def. Alejandra Blanco (SIU) 3-6, 6-3, 6-1
No. 2 - Leah Esmero (INS) def. Maria Blanco (SIU) 4-6, 6-2, 6-2
No. 3 - Jessica Knitter (SIU) def. Magda Marczewska (INS) 5-7, 6-4, 6-1
No. 4 - Logan Becker (INS) def. Zuzana Palovic (SIU) 6-4, 4-6, 6-2
No. 5 - Lisa Herndon (INS) def. Zoya Honarmand (SIU) 6-3, 4-6, 6-3
No. 6 - Tana Trapani (SIU) def. Laura Whitney (INS) 6-0, 6-3
Doubles:
No. 1 - Blanco/Blanco (SIU) def. Salinas/Becker (INS) 8-4
No. 2 - Esmero/Herndon (INS) def. Palovic/Honarmand (SIU) 8-2
No. 3 - Knitter/Trapani (SIU) def. Whitney/Marczewska (INS) 8-4
