April 7, 2012

TAMPA, Fla. - The Marquette University women's tennis team continued its outdoor tune-up under sunny skies in Tampa, Fla., Saturday afternoon. Despite the beautiful weather, the Golden Eagles dropped a 7-0 decision to No. 48 VCU.

The Golden Eagles fought hard but came up short in doubles play leaving the Rams to claim all three doubles matches and take the early advantage.

In singles play, VCU picked up wins at the No. 2, 3, and 5 slots to secure its sixth straight win. Alex Bara took Gillian Hush down in straight sets at No. 2, 6-1, 6-1, Rocio Diaz fell 6-4, 6-0 to Olga Terteac at No. 3 and Ana Pimienta dropped 6-0, 6-4 to Salmne Kvitashvili at No. 5.

Despite the sweep and the slow start for MU, head coach Jody Bronson said she was pleased that the team played better in the second sets.

"It was tough today. We started out very slow," said Bronson. "We played better in the second sets and really battled. Ali, Tina and Olga all came back after being down. We definitely could have played better overall, but hopefully our play from later today will carry over to tomorrow."

Olga Fischer gave it everything at No. 1, but couldn't hold on to the early lead. Fischer won her first set 6-4, but Ana Bara edged Fischer in the second set and tie breaker, 7-6, 10-4.

The Golden Eagles will be back in action Sunday against No. 37 USF at Varsity Courts. Doubles play begins at 2 p.m. CT.

No. 48 VCU 7, Marquette 0

Singles
1. Ana Bara (VCU) def. Olga Fischer (MARQ) 4-6, 7-6, 10-4
2. Alex Bara (VCU) def. Gillian Hush (MARQ) 6-1, 6-1
3. Olga Terteac (VCU) def. Rocio Diaz (MARQ) 6-4, 6-0
4. Alena Gerasimova (VCU) def. Ali Dawson (MARQ) 6-3, 7-5
5. Salome Kvitashvili (VCU) def. Ana Pimienta (MARQ) 6-0, 6-4
6. Marketa Placha (VCU) def. Kristina Radan (MARQ) 6-1, 6-4

Doubles
1. Ana Bara/Alex Bara (VCU) def. Gillian Hush/Olga Fischer (MARQ) 8-6
2. Daria Yakauleva/Olga Terteac (VCU) def. Ana Pimienta/Ali Dawson (MARQ) 8-1
3. Salome Kvitashvili/Alena Gerasimova (VCU) def. Kristina Radan/Rocio Diaz (MARQ) 8-6
Order of finish: 2,3,5,6,4,1