April 8, 2007
Orlando, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - After falling behind 1-0 through doubles play, the UCF women's tennis used a talented singles lineup to defeat Marquette, 4-3, Sunday at the UCF Tennis Complex. The victory moved the Knights record to 10-6 on the season, while they improved to 7-2 at home in 2007.
The one-point victory was the second 4-3 triumph of the year for the Black and Gold, as it also defeated Dartmouth by one point March 23.
Marquette (11-12) got off to a strong start by winning two of the three doubles matches for the 1-0 overall lead. Senior Megan Hunter and sophomore Kenza Belbacha did pick up the lone UCF win, defeating Maric Calbeto and Margaret Wilson at No. 2, 8-4.
Even though it was trailing heading into singles, the Knights used four straight-set victories to edge the Golden Eagles. Belbacha cruised past Erin Watkins at No. 2, 6-2, 6-2, while junior Anna Yakimchenkova shined at No. 3 with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Calbeto. Senior Becky Gordon went to 3-1 for the year at the No. 5 position by getting past Elly Strother, 6-2, 6-3. The No. 6 spot proved to be highly contested, and junior Jennifer Carati, who had played just three singles matches before Sunday, pulled out the important win over Francina Bonnelly, 6-4, 7-6(2).
Rollins College will be next in line at the UCF Tennis Complex as it takes on UCF in an exhibition match Thursday at 2:30 p.m. The Knights' final regular-season match takes place at home April 16 against Louisville. For the latest news and information on the Golden Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF athletics.