University of South Florida
Syracuse
Bulls Crush Orange
March 16, 2008 | Women's Tennis
TAMPA, Fla. ? Strong doubles play and consistency in singles competition led the University of South Florida women's tennis team past the Syracuse Orange, 6-1, Sunday afternoon at the USF Varsity Tennis Courts in Tampa, Fla.
“I was pleased with the way they fought and wore down their opponents today,” said USF head coach Agustin Moreno. “After playing so many matches on the road and indoors, it's nice to get back to playing outdoors and on our home court.”
The Bulls (14-5) wasted no time getting back to work, going up 1-0 after sweeping the doubles point. The No. 1 tandem of Janette Bejlkova and Iciri Rai made quick work of Simone Kalhorn and Jacquelyn Tang, taking down the duo, 8-1, in less then 20 minutes.
Natalia Guevara teamed up with Liz Cruz at the No. 3 doubles to clinch the point with their win over Maria Vasilyeva and Christina Tan, 8-4. The win brings their record to a perfect 8-0 on the year.
No. 49-ranked Bejlkova was off the court first for the Bulls in singles competition. The freshman from Clearwater High School out-played Christina Tan, 6-1, 6-0 at the top singles spot. Bejlkova finished the match in style as she aced her opponent to pick up the last point of the match. The victory brings her dual-match record to a perfect 12-0 with all of her wins coming at the No. 1 spot.
Shortly after Bejlkova notched her victory, Natalia Guevara put the Bulls up 3-0 with her straight-set win over Jacquelyn Tang, 6-0, 6-0 at the No. 6 singles position.
Sophomore Ally Mueller clinched the match for the Bulls at the No. 4 spot, taking care of Ashley Spicer, 6-2, 6-0. After struggling early in the season, Mueller feels she is beginning to get into a rhythm and find her game.
“I think I've definitely been more patient the past few matches,” said Mueller. “I was trying to wear out my opponent by hitting a lot of cross-court shots and keeping the point long. The weather is such a great advantage for us in Florida and a lot of these northern teams can't compete with our level of fitness.”
Jessica Zok (13-5) and Iciri Rai (14-5) each picked up victories for USF on the afternoon.
USF will take two weeks off before returning to the USF Varsity Tennis Courts when they take on the USC Upstate Spartans on Sunday, March 30. The first serve is set for 10 a.m.
NCAA Women's Tennis
No. 44 USF 6, Syracuse 1
March 16, 2008
USF Varsity Tennis Courts
Tampa, Fla.
Doubles
1.Bejlkova/Rai (USF) def. Kalhorn/Tang (SU), 8-4
2. Zok/Shumate (USF) def. Spicer/Jones (SU), 8-3
3. Cruz/Guevara (USF) def. Vasilyeva/Tan (SU), 8-4
Order of Finish: 1, 3, 2
Singles
1. No. 49 Janette Bejlkova (USF) def. Christina Tan (SU), 6-1, 6-0
2. Jessica Zok (USF) def. Simone Kalhorn (SU), 6-3, 6-1
3. Maria Vasilyeva (SU) def. Liz Cruz (USF), 7-6 (2), 6-2
4. Allyn Mueller (USF) def. Ashley Spicer (SU), 6-2, 6-0
5. Iciri Rai (USF) def. Chelsea Jones (SU), 6-1, 6-2
6. Natalia Guevara (USF) def. Jacquelyn Tang (SU), 6-0, 6-0
Order of Finish: 1, 6, 4, 5, 3
