University of South Florida
Wisconsin
Bulls Over Power No. 69 Wisconsin
March 18, 2009 | Women's Tennis
TAMPA- Starting off a stretch of three matches in five days, the University of South Florida women's tennis team extended their winning streak to three matches as they overpowered No. 69 Wisconsin Badgers on their way to a 5-2 victory Wednesday afternoon at the USF Varsity Tennis Courts.
The Bulls started out strong in doubles competition by sweeping all three matches. But the sweep did not come easy. The Bulls needed come-from-behind victories at No. 2 and 3 doubles to claim the point.
The doubles duo of sophomore Irene Rehberger and junior Lauren Shumate jump started the Bulls by knocking off the No. 44 team of Liz Carpenter and Angela Chupa, 8-6. However, at the completion of Rehberger and Shumate's match, both of USF's other doubles teams trailed, 5-6, in their on-going contests.
Trailing 5-6 at No. 3 doubles, senior Iciri Rai and sophomore Natalia Guevara rallied to defeat Katya Mirnova and Emese Kardhardo, 9-7, to clinch the point. Then with the 1-0 lead secured, juniors Allyn Mueller and Jessica Zok came from behind in similar fashion to complete the doubles sweep.
Despite just needing a split to win the dual, the Bulls came out aggressive in taking the first set in four of the six singles matches. As the singles matches went on, it became apparent that the Florida heat was starting to become a factor in all of the matches. Cramping became an issue for a number of Wisconsin players.
Playing in the No. 5 position, Mueller got the Bulls rolling as she proved to be too much for Seyferth. Mueller breezed past Seyferth, 6-0, 6-0. Mueller has won on four of her last five singles matches.
Next for the Bulls would be Rehberger, playing in the No. 1 position. Rehberger continued her red hot singles play with a straight-set victory over Carpenter, 6-3, 6-1, to improve her record to 6-1 on the season and extend her winning streak to six.
With a 3-1 lead and three matches on going, it would be the senior, Rai, who would deliver the clinching victory for the Bulls. Playing at No. 2, Rai took care of Mirnova, 6-2, 6-3, to register her 50th career dual singles victory.
With the match decided with a 4-2 lead, Guevara put the finishing touches of her straight set victory over Kardohordo, 6-0, 7-5, to finish off the match and the Badgers.
With the win, USF moves to 5-8 on the season and has won four of their last five matches. USF is now 3-0 this season against members from the Big Ten Conference. The win also marks the second win against a ranked opponent.
The Bulls will now attempt to carry over their success against to the Big Ten to the SEC as they take battle No. 17 Kentucky on Saturday at 11 a.m. and No. 33 South Carolina on Sunday at 10 a.m.
USF 5, Wisconsin 2
March 18, 2009
USF Varsity Tennis Courts
Doubles
1. Irene Rehberger / Lauren Shumate (USF) def. #44 Liz Carpenter/Angela Chupa- 8-6
2. Jessica Seyferth/Aleksandra Markovic def. Allyn Mueller/ Jessica Zok (USF) 9-8 (8-6)
3. Iciri Rai/ Natalia Guevara (USF) def. Katya Mirnova/ Emese Kardhordo 9-7
Finish Order: 1, 3, 2
Singles
1. No. 82 Irene Rehberger (USF) def. Liz Carpenter-6-3,6-1
2. Iciri Rai (USF)def. Katya Mirnova-6-2,6-3
3. Aleksandra Markovic def. Jessica Zok (USF)-6-2,6-3
4. Natalia Guevara (USF) def. Emese Kardhordo-6-0,7-5
5. Allyn Mueller (USF)def. Jessica Seyferth- 6-0,6-0
6. Angela Chupa def. Lauren Shumate (USF) - 6-4, INJ
Finish Order: 5, 1, 2, 6, 3, 4
