Jan. 26, 2009

Box Score UT-D

Box Score UTSA

DALLAS (SMU)-SMU women's tennis (2-0) turned in a successful weekend shutting out UT-Dallas (0-1) by a margin of 7-0, and defeating UTSA (0-2) 5-2 at Turpin Tennis Stadium on Saturday, January 24. The Mustangs did not drop a set in singles action in the win over the Comets of UT-Dallas, while SMU doubles remained undefeated through both matches.

Against UT-Dallas, four Mustangs blanked their opponents in singles, while all three doubles tandems also recorded 8-0 shut-outs. The focused play of the Mustangs had head coach Lauren Longbotham-Meisner singing their praises.

"It was very exciting for me to welcome back Monica, Pavi and Kseniia to the court, since they are all healthy and able to play. The way that they have bounced back physically from their different injuries is a testament not only to our great medical staff, but also to each girl's determination. I felt like we started the day against UT-Dallas with the focus and attitude that I wanted and because of that we took care of business on the court."

In match play against UTSA, the Mustangs pulled out several three-setters with senior Natalia Bubien taking the win (6-3, 4-6, 6-2) over Karen Scida, who was playing in the Roadrunner's number one spot. Junior Pavi Francis and senior Monica Neveklovska also recorded wins in the match, while junior Nicole Briceno and senior Kseniia Tokarieva edged out Nathalie Wallin and Holly Phillips for a 9-8 win in doubles.

"Although we got a win against a much improved UTSA squad this afternoon, I felt we did not play to our potential and mentally we were not in the right frame of mind. We have worked extremely hard in practice and we need to bring that same mental attitude and discipline into every match that we play if we are going to meet the goals we have set for this season," said Longbotham-Meisner.

The Mustangs will return to action on Wednesday against No. 14 Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas at 2:00 p.m. at the Dills Indoor Tennis Center.