Southern Illinois University
New Orleans
Women's Tennis sinks Privateers, 6-1
03/12/2010 | 12:00:00 | Women's Tennis
March 12, 2010
By Michael Benson
www.SIUSalukis.com
NEW ORLEANS - The Saluki women's tennis team wrapped up their trip to Louisiana with a convincing 6-1 win over New Orleans Friday at the University Tennis Center.
The match was marred by injuries, as three members of the Privateers were forced to retire due to injury. As a result, Melanie Delsart, Emily Whitney, and Anastacia Simons all posted wins for the Dawgs.
"We switched the doubles up a little today because we have been struggling a little here," said Saluki head coach Audra Nothwehr. "Jennifer and Jessica really stepped it up and came back from being down 1-5 to win 8-6. In singles we were solid today. They did have some injuries - hence the defaults - but those that played were excellent."
Jennifer Dien recorded an impressive victory in No. 4 singles, defeating UNO's Ceara Howey 3-6, 6-0, 10-6. After losing in the first set, Dien bounced back in convincing fashion to take the second set and bring the match to a third set. The freshman continued her dominant play in the final set to take the match.
Vishakha Sheoran and Michela Cruise also won in singles, dispatching Cassandra Escobar and Amber Garza in straight sets, respectively. Sheoran won her second straight match at second doubles, beating Escobar 6-4, 6-4. Meanwhile, Cruise topped Garza 6-3, 6-1.
The Salukis started the match in rough shape, as they lost the doubles point in their third straight match and fourth in the last five. Notching the only win in doubles were Dien and Jessica Flannery, who snapped their three match losing streak by downing the Privateers' Howey and Garza, 8-6.
Southern will have a week off before their next match, as they host Northern Illinois March 20 at the University Courts in Carbondale.
Players Mentioned
