March 26, 2008

Complete Results

By Beth Miller
www.SIUSalukis.com

SAINT LOUIS, Mo - The Southern Illinois University women's tennis team dropped their match against Saint Louis University Wednesday, 4-3. Due to court availability, the two teams played a non-traditional match, where each match consisted of one set played to eight points.

The Salukis (7-7) were unable to hold off the Billikins (9-7) in doubles, with Sabine Tsala Mvilongo and Jessica Flannery fighting a tough battle at the No. 1 spot. They fell 8-3 to Joe Becker and Hailee Elmore. At No. 2 singles, Martina Vianna Cé and Michela Cruise defeated Amanda Hellberg and Rachel McCullagh, 8-3. Amanda Taillefer and Andrea Courtney tied their No. 3 doubles match against Caitlin Bokulic and Caitlin McKenna, at 7-7. SIU fought hard for the win to capture the doubles point, but fell 9-7.

The Salukis had momentum heading into singles, with Tsala grabbing the win at the top seed against Hellberg, 9-7. Cé took on Elmore at No. 2 singles, falling 8-4. Cruise captured the win over Miller at No. 3 singles, 8-5. Flannery won her third singles match in a row, defeating Tara Grant 8-3 at No. 4 singles. Taillefer played at No. 5 singles, dropping her match to McCullagh, 8-3. Agata Skorupska fought a tough match at No. 6 singles against McKenna, falling in a close tiebreaker, 9-8 (2).

"We look for something positive out these experiences," said head coach Audra Nothwehr. "I'm glad we are playing tight matches because it really challenges your mental game and helps you grow as a player."

The Salukis will be back in action Saturday, April 5, as they travel to Creighton for their second conference match of the season.

Saint Louis 4, Southern Illinois 3

Singles
No. 1 - Sabine Tsala Mvilongo (SIU) def. Amanda Hellberg (SLU) 9-7
No. 2 - Hailee Elmore (SLU) def. Martina Vianna Cé (SIU) 8-4
No. 3 - Michela Cruise (SIU) def. Casey Miller (SLU) 8-5
No. 4 - Jessica Flannery (SIU) def. Tara Grant (SLU) 8-3
No. 5 - Rachel McCullagh (SLU) def. Amanda Taillefer (SIU)
No. 6 - Caitlin McKenna (SLU) def. Agata Skorupska (SIU) 9-8 (2)

Doubles
No. 1 - Elmore/Becker (SLU) def. Tsala/Flannery (SIU) 8-3
No. 2 - Cé/Cruise (SIU) def. Hellberg/McCullagh (SLU) 8-3
No. 3 - Bokulic/McKenna (SLU) def. Taillefer/Courtney (SIU) 9-7