Bulls Stay Perfect; Down UCF, 5-2

[MatRatUSF]

Tampa, Fla. (February 16, 2005) – The USF woman’s tennis team (4-0) extended its winning streak to four matches, defeating the UCF Golden Knights, 5-2, at the USF Varsity Tennis Courts Wednesday afternoon.

Teaming up for the first time in their collegiate careers, freshmen Courtney Vernon and Liz Cruz clinched the doubles point for USF defeating Pamela Fernandez and Becky Gordon, 9-7.

Down 7-5 with their backs to the wall, USF’s newest tandem survived 5 match points to take home the ever-important doubles point.

“I like playing under pressure and putting it all on the line,†Vernon said. I tried to use my forehand as much as possible to over power my opponent.â€Â

The doubles point was more important against UCF then any match played this year because of the absence of Fabiana Taverna and Luisa Obando due to injuries.

Going into singles competition with a one point lead, the Bulls won 4-of-6 matches to defeat UCF for the first time in two years.

Playing at the No. 3 position, Gabriela Duch remained perfect on the season defeating UCF’s Ola Luczak, 6-2, 6-3.

Also picking up wins to remain undefeated on the season were Vernon and Cruz, who at the No. 2 and 4 positions easily defeated their opponents 6-0, 6-2 and 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, respectively.

“Courtney and Liz really stepped it up to win the doubles point,†head coach Gigi Fernandez said. “With two players injured I wasn’t expecting to win the doubles point and I thought it would come down to the singles matches. I’m very proud of the effort our girls put forth today.â€Â

The Bulls will look to extend their win-streak and upset No. 2 Florida Gators on Monday, Feb. 21, at the Ring Tennis Complex in Gainesville, Fla. First serve is set for 5 p.m.

#55 USF 5 vs. UCF 2

USF Varsity Tennis Courts

February 16, 2005

Doubles

1. Duch/Etienne (USF) def. Lohmas/Luczak (UCF) 8-0

2. Vernon/Cruz (USF) def. Fernandez/Gordon (UCF) 9-7

3. Hunter/McNicol (UCF) def. Hurt/Hoskin (USF) 8-0

*Order of Finish: 3, 1, 2

Singles

1. Neyssa Etienne (USF) def. Pamela Fernandez (UCF) 6-1, 6-2

2. Courtney Vernon (USF) def. Kristina Lohmas (UCF) 6-0, 6-2

3. Gabriela Duch (USF) def. Ola Luczak (UCF) 6-2, 6-3

4. Liz Cruz (USF) def. Jennifer Carati (UCF) 4-6, 6-1, 6-1

5. Megan Rosario-Hunter (UCF) def. Kristi Hurt (USF) 6-0, 6-0

6. Kyla McNicol (UCF) def. Carolyn Hoskin (USF) 6-0, 6-0

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

[bigbull]

I was out there for a while but had to leave for class but I am pleasantly surprised and how good they look for the most part....Go Bulls