Brigham Young University
Mar 18 | 12:00 PM
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University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Anonymous | Posted: 18 Mar 2003 | Updated: 18 Mar 2003
Anonymous

PROVO -- A strong start by No. 11 Tennessee generated unstoppable momentum as it defeated the No. 49 BYU women's tennis team Tuesday. The loss dropped the Cougars to 4-8, while the Lady Volunteers improved to 14-3.

"I thought we came out pretty flat today," said BYU head coach Craig Manning. "It might have been because we had a week and a half off, but I've got to give credit to Tennessee too because they are a great team."

The Lady Volunteers set the tone for the day in doubles play as they quickly claimed the doubles point in winning the first two matches. The third doubles match was the closest of the three and pitted the unbeaten Cougar duo (9-0 on the year) of Rebecca Pike and Olga Boulytcheva against Sabita Maharaj and Crystal Cleveland. Eventually it was Maharaj and Cleveland that would edge the Cougars 9-7.

"As a whole we didn't play doubles well," Manning said. "And in singles half the players seemed to play well and the other half seemed to be flat."

In singles play the Lady Volunteers continued their stellar play as they swept all six matches without losing a set. Pike in the No. 4 position lost a closely contested first set 7-6 before bowing in second set 6-3.

"The team is pretty disappointed with the results of today," Manning said. "They want to come out and practice hard tomorrow because we have a busy weekend ahead of us."

BYU will continue its home-stand with a pair of match-ups this weekend. The Cougars will play host to Boise State Friday at 11 a.m., and South Carolina Saturday at Noon. On Friday, if the weather is good, the No. 1 singles and doubles matches will be televised live on BYU-TV and at midnight of the same day on KBYU.

No. 49 BYU (4-8) 0, #11 Tennessee (14-3) 7

Singles

1. Vilamarie Castellvi (UT) def. Nickie Reynolds (BYU) 6-1, 6-0

2. Tammy Encina (UT) def. Leeza Klempner (BYU) 6-4, 6-4

3. Crystal Cleveland (UT) def. Olga Bulytcheva (BYU) 6-4, 6-2

4. Melissa Schuab (UT) def. Rebecca Pike (BYU) 7-6(3), 6-3

5. Sabita Maharaj (UT) def. Terah Porter (BYU) 6-2, 6-2

6. Ashley Robards (UT) def. Hadley MacFarlene (BYU) 6-2, 7-5

Doubles

1. Castellvi/Schuab (UT) def. Reynolds/Klempner (BYU) 8-5

2. Encina/Immink (UT) def. MacFarlene/Schneider (BYU) 8-3

3. Maharaj/Cleveland (UT) def. Pike/Bulytcheva (BYU) 9-7

 

 
Anonymous | Posted: 15 Mar 2003 | Updated: 8 Nov 2020
Anonymous

First Match of Week with No. 11 Tennessee

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PROVO -- The No. 49 BYU women's tennis team (4-7) will be in action on Tuesday as they take on No. 11 Tennessee in Provo at noon. This will be the seventh nationally-ranked opponent the Cougars have played in the last seven matches.

Although the Cougars have lost some matches to top teams, BYU head coach Craig Manning is very optimistic and said he likes his team's chances.

"We have had some great matches with great teams," said Manning. "We have played tough in all of them and we haven't been blown out by anyone. Our schedule has to be one of the toughest in the nation but that is how I wanted it. It will only help us toward the end of the season during conference play. That is when the matches really count."

Tennessee comes into this match with BYU on a five-game winning streak. The Lady Vol tennis squad claimed its fifth-straight victory Sunday afternoon with a 7-0 whitewashing of the Arkansas Lady Razorbacks in Fayetteville, Ark. With the win, Tennessee improved to 13-3 and 5-1 in conference play in the SEC.

"I expect Tennessee to come and play very tough," said Manning. "But I know our girls will come out and fight hard as well. We haven't backed down from anyone yet and we aren't going to start now."

With the Cougars dealing with so many injuries this season, Tara Porter has rejoined the team and will see some singles action against Tennessee. Manning is hoping that a few changes in the lineup will help the Cougars to victory.

"Everyone has been playing really well, but that hasn't really been seen in the final score," said Manning. "Anytime you play good opponents, you are going to improve as well. We are getting better and better with each passing week and we are mentally tougher. We will get some good wins still."

After the match with Tennessee, BYU will be at home again this upcoming weekend as they host No. 71 Boise State on Friday and No. 24 South Carolina on Saturday. Both matches will begin at noon.