Women's Tennis begins play at ITA Central Regionals
10/21/2009 | 12:00:00 | Women's Tennis
Oct. 21, 2009
By Michael Benson
www.SIUSalukis.com
NORMAN, Okla. - Jennifer Dien advanced to the singles main draw Wednesday as the SIU women's tennis team opened play at the ITA Central Regional Championships in Norman, Okla.
Dien, a freshman from Overland Park, Kan., received a bye in the first round of the qualifying round, then quickly disposed of Saint Louis' Mia Elmore in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, to advance Thursday's main draw.
In other action, Michela Cruise came close to joining Dien in the main bracket. However, Cruise was unable to finish off qualifier top-seed Annemijn Koenen of Arkansas after winning the first set, falling 5-7, 6-1, 1-0(7).
Three other Salukis also competed in the qualifying rounds. Emily Whitney was defeated by Jessica Aguilera of Drake in the first round 6-1, 6-4. Meanwhile, MVC individual champion Martina Vianna Ce fell to Sarah Septien of Saint Louis 6-1, 6-4. Jessica Flannery was also eliminated, as she lost in straight sets to Drake's Ali Patterson 7-6, 6-3.
"Michela played probably the best match she's ever played, taking the top seed in the qualifiers to a 3rd set super tiebreaker," said head coach Audra Nothwehr. "Jennifer Dien also played well today.
"It was a lot of indoors to outdoors today, so it was extra hard to get your rhythm."
Players Mentioned
