Southern Illinois University
SEMO
Women's Tennis sweeps SEMO, 7-0
03/24/2010 | 12:00:00 | Women's Tennis
March 24, 2010
By Michael Benson
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Saluki women's tennis team notched their first sweep of the season Wednesday, grounding the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, 7-0, at the University Courts.
Four players earned at least one set sweep in singles, while the Dawgs won all three doubles matches for the first time since Feb. 14.
"We played very well today in singles and doubles," said Southern head coach Audra Nothwehr. "SEMO is a lot better than they were last year, but we played excellent against them. All the girls were really focused."
Melanie Delsart and Anastacia Simons both recorded impressive singles matches. Delsart, playing No. 1 singles, recovered from a 2-0 deficit early to dominate SEMO's Nikole Novikova. Delsart would win nine straight points before a frustrated Novikova withdrew from the match, giving the Buenos Aires native a 6-2, 3-0 retired win.
Meanwhile, Simons handled Sarah Pettigrew throughout the match, shutting her out the entire match en route to a 6-0, 6-0 romp.
"Melanie played very well today and so did Ana," Nothwehr said. "I was impressed by both of their performances."
Sophomore Emily Whitney filled in admirably for the injured Vishakha Sheoran in No. 2 singles, winning against Alyce Kelly in straight sets 6-2, 6-0.
In addition, seniors Martina Vianna Ce and Jessica Flannery, along with freshman Jennifer Dien, all garnered victories for the Salukis.
The Dawgs will open their Missouri Valley Conference schedule Friday, when they host the Evansville Purple Aces at 3 p.m. at the University Courts.
Players Mentioned
