March 16, 2010

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - The Marquette women's tennis team got singles wins from Olga Fischer, Christina Ruiz and Rachael Hush, but it was not enough as it was edged by San Francisco, 4-3, Tuesday afternoon. The loss puts Marquette at 11-8 overall on the season.

The Dons took the early lead by winning the doubles point with victories at No. 2 an No. 3. The duo of Rachael Hush and Ruiz pushed their win streak at No. 1 to five matches with a 8-7 (2) win over Jenni Heinser and Melina Akerbrant. The pair stands at 22-5 overall for the season, 14-4 in dual play.

The Golden Eagles rallied out of the gates in singles play claiming wins at No. 4, 5 and 2 to take a 3-1 lead. Ruiz took care of Alana McMahon at No. 4, 6-4, 6-3, while Rachael Hush also won in straight sets at No. 5, 6-2, 6-1. Fischer defeated Celilia Gratian at No. 2, 6-4, 7-5.

However, the Dons answered back with wins in the final three singles matches at No. 6, No. 1 and No. 3. Gillian Hush fell 7-6 (6), 6-3 to Yurie Hashiguchi at No. 6, and Paola Calderon fell in three sets, 4-6, 6-0, 7-5 to Julia Wartenburger at No. 1.

San Francisco clinched the team win with a victory at No. 3. Kelly Barry forced a third set after winning the second set, 7-5, but ultimately lost the match to Melinda Akerbrant, 3-6, 7-5, 6-2.

The Golden Eagles will close out their California road trip against Santa Clara on Friday, March 19.

San Francisco 4, Marquette 3

Singles
1. Julia Wartenburger (USF) def. Paola Calderon (MU) 4-6, 6-0, 7-5
2. Olga Fischer (MU) def. Celilia Gratian (USF) 6-4, 7-5
3. Melinda Akerbrant (USF) def. Kelly Barry (MU) 3-6, 7-5, 6-2
4. Christina Ruiz (MU) def. Alana McMahon (USF) 6-4, 6-3
5. Rachael Hush (MU) def. Jessy Mekpoh (USF) 6-2, 6-1
6. Yurie Hashiguchi (USF) def. Gillian Hush (MU) 7-6 (6), 6-3

Order of Finish: 4, 5, 2, 6, 1, 3

Doubles
1. Christina Ruiz/Rachael Hush (MU) def. Jenni Heinser/Melinda Akerbrant (USF) 8-7 (2)
2. Celilia Gratian/Julia Wartenburger (USF) def Maggie Wilson/Olga Fischer (MU) 8-4
3. Yurie Hashiguchi/Alana McMahon (USF) def. Paola Calderon/Gillian Hush (MU) 8-6