Saluki Women's Tennis cruise past Cougars

Feb. 19, 2012

By Tim McCaughan
SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill -The Saluki women's tennis team is off to its best start in four years, after cruising to a 6-1 win against the visiting Cougars of SIU-Edwardsville.

The Salukis (3-0) came out strong once again in doubles play, sweeping SIUE (4-4).

"I think our doubles play is really clicking right now, and it really helps our confidence as a team," head coach Audra Nothwehr said.

Southern continued its hot streak into singles play where it went 5-1 on the day. Junior Melanie Delsart defeated Kali Donner (6-0, 6-2) at the No. 1 position, improving to 2-1 on the season. Anastacia Simons defeated Lindsey Raymond (6-4, 6-1) at the No. 6 position, improving to 2-0 in dual play.

"Everyone came in with the right mindset, and we just tried to do our best today," said Simons.

"I can see the nerves in some of our freshmen slowly going away after each match," said Nothwehr. "The more confidence we can gain before we go into conference, the better, and it will play a big difference."

The Salukis will be back in action on Friday, when the host Arkansas State at 4 p.m.