The Rocket

Issue date: 3/30/07 Section: Sports

Sophomore Christina Rhodes congratulates sophomore doubles partner Lara Rizzi during the 8-3 win over Indiana of Pa., Thursday. SRU dominated IUP in the match, winning 9-0. [Click to enlarge]

The No. 34 ranked SRU women's tennis team recovered from a 9-0 defeat by California of Pa. to defeat its Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West rival Indiana of Pa. 9-0 Thursday. The number one doubles team of sophomore Kayla Blackburn and freshman Laura Handy defeated the IUP number one partners of Adriana Nunic and Caitlin Heston by a 3-0 retired score.

"It was important to get off to a good start in the first match after the loss to Cal," coach Matt Meredith said.

The number two pairing of senior Ashley Greene and freshman Jessica Hilborn won their match, 8-4, and the number three pairing of sophomore Lara Rizzi and sophomore Christina Rhodes won their match, 8-3.

"We took care of business in doubles and that paved the way for singles," Meredith said. "We certainly play good doubles."

Number one singles player Blackburn faced a tough match-up against IUP number one player Nunic, but prevailed with a 6-2, 6-3 score.

"Kayla faced a decent number one player and she won." Meredith said. "Kayla knows how to win."

In the two spot, Handy easily defeated Laura Henderson 6-0, 6-0 and Ashley Greene defeated Allison Heaner 6-0, 2-6, 10-4.Meredith said he is relieved with Greene getting an important win.

"Ashley got back on track; she played up to her height today," Meredith said.

Hilborn defeated Alyssa Shubra 6-1, 6-1 while Rizzi overpowered Emily Shubra 6-0, 6-1. In the final singles match of the day, Rhodes routed late replacement Laura Kale 6-1, 6-0 to push the Rock to 9-0 on the day.

"It was definitely a good rebound match from the loss to Cal," Meredith said. "We are going to compete with the best teams this year and for the next couple years to come."

Blackburn agreed with Meredith's comments about rival Cal.

"It was a great win for us, a real good confidence booster," Blackburn said. "It was a good feeling and I think everyone was happy with our win and are looking forward to winning our games this weekend."

With the victory, the Rock's record pushed to 13-4 on the year. Last Sunday the Rock faced a tough challenge in the No. 7 ranked team in Cal. The Vulcans proved their ranking routing the Rock 9-0.

"Cal is easily the toughest team we will face all year long," Meredith said. "They are a conference and national powerhouse."

The Rock faces three conference foes this weekend with Kutztown and West Chester on Saturday and Millersville on Sunday.

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