Millbrae, CA—The Urban Knights Women's Tennis team faced the Argonauts of Notre Dame de Namur in Millbrae yesterday and unleashed their fury on NDNU with a decisive 9-1 victory. Battling exhaustion and midterms, the Urban Knights put on their game faces and went to work. AAU swept the singles 7-0 and went 2-1 in doubles.
Freshman soccer standout Solveig Barnes and freshman Cecilia Hedin recorded their first wins in collegiate tennis, defeating NDNU's Olosson and O'Donnell, respectively. Barnes and Hedin barely lost their doubles match against the duo of Mills/Olosson 6-8, but were able to regain their composure and get the win in singles. On Hedin's and Barnes' first wins, head coach Dave Allen said, “This is why I coach.” “To see someone work as hard as Cecilia and Solveig have and successfully achieving some of the goals they have placed out there for themselves is a total thrill and our whole team enjoyed it.”
Sophomore Cassy Fabiani utilized her powerful serve and attacking game to dominate freshman Rebecca Cortez 6-1, 6-0 in singles. Earlier in the match Fabiani teamed up with freshman Paola Correa Fe to overpower NDNU's Olivar and Wilson 8-1. Sophomore Laone "Lala" Botshoma was able to stay focused on her task at the #2 spot, slicing and dicing her way to a sweeping victory over Olivar in two straight sets 6-0, 6-0.
Freshman Maria "Belen" Tenorio continued her winning streak at #3, defeating Nichols in two straight sets, 6-1, 6-1. Correa Fe was also on top of her game and hit the ball with pinpoint accuracy. “I really like the way Paola was controlling the points,” said Allen. “[Fe's] opponent was very quick and battled, chasing down every shot, but ultimately Paola capitalized on the short ball and ripped winner after winner.”
Senior Anna Ritchie used her strong south-paw serve to set up incredible backhands all day long. "Anna Ritchie is a total fighter. When she steps on the court, she is all business. I absolutely love having her on the team," said Allen. "She has the work ethic that is so impressive, working full time, playing tennis, and building chandeliers for classes.... this girl is unstoppable." Anna Ritchie chandeliers will be featured in the Academy of Art University's Spring Show in late April.
The Urban Knights Women's Tennis improves their record to 3-6 overall. Next up for the Knights is a match against powerhouse UH Hilo at the San Francisco Tennis Club Friday, March 13, 2009.
SINGLES
1 Cassy Fabiani vs Rebecca Corteza 6-1,6-0 AAU
2 Laone Botshoma vs Marren Oliver 6-0,6-0 AAU
3 Belen Tenorio vs Kaylee Nichols 6-1, 6-1 AAU
4 Paola Fe vs Ashley Wilson 6-2,6-2 AAU
5 Anna Richie vs Katelyn Mills 6-2, 6-3 AAU
6 *** Cecilia Hedin vs Courtney O'Donnell 6-3, 6-2 AAU
7 Solveig Barnes vs S.Olsson 10-3 AAU (extra Match)
DOUBLES
1 Cassy F. / Paola F. vs Oliver/ Wilson 8-1 AAU
2 Laone B. / Belen T. vs Corteza/ Nichols 8-4 AAU
3 Cecilia H. / Solveig B. vs Mills / Olsson 6-8 NDNU
