Gonzaga University
Eastern Washington
Women's Tennis Impressive Against Eagles, Wins Second Straight
1/27/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Jan. 27, 2011
SPOKANE, Wash. - The Gonzaga University women's tennis team earned its second consecutive victory with a 6-1 win against Eastern Washington University Wednesday evening at the Spokane Racquet Club.
The Bulldogs (2-0) jumped out to an early lead with a terrific performance in doubles play. Senior Jackie Tabb and redshirt sophomore Prue Teitzel got the momentum started with an 8-2 win at No. 3 doubles. Seniors Rika Mehndiratta and Danielle Farmer were up 6-3 in their match at No. 1 singles but Eastern Washington's (3-1) Caitlin Bampton and Kelsey Knight won three straight games to tie the match at 6-6. Mehndiratta and Farmer got their groove back and won the next two games to secure the doubles point for the Bulldogs. Senior Clare Dodge and junior Kristina Zauere trailed 7-4 at No. 3 doubles but they fought back and won the match 9-7 to complete the doubles sweep.
The momentum the Bulldogs established in doubles play carried over to singles. Mehndiratta played well at No. 1 singles and was ahead 5-3 until Kelsey Knight had to retire from the match due to an injury. Zauere, Teitzel and Dodge won their matches in two sets at Nos. 2, 3 and 4 singles, respectively, to help the Bulldogs win the match.
Sophomore Britta Stime played a tough match against Judy Liening at No. 5 singles. She won the first set 6-4 while Liening won the second 6-4 to force a third. Both sides fought hard in the match breaker but Stime lost a close battle 10-7.
After winning the first set 6-4 Lantta trailed in the second 1-4 but battled back to force a tiebreaker and earn the win 7-6 (5) at No. 6 singles.
"Winning the doubles point really helped our momentum into singles," Bulldogs head coach D.J. Gurule said. "We beat a good Eastern Washington team tonight. Midweek matches are tough and I am very pleased with our focus and energy. From top to bottom I thought we were focused and it showed in our results."
The Bulldogs begin their five-match road trip Saturday at Washington State University at 11 a.m.
GONZAGA BULLDOGS 6, EASTERN WASHINGTON EAGLES 1
Singles competition
1. Mehndiratta, Rika (GON) def. KNIGHT, Kelsey (EWU-W) 5-3, retired
2. Zauere, Kristina (GON) def. PATTON, Chelsea (EWU-W) 6-1, 6-3
3. Teitzel, Prue (GON) def. WARNER, Ryann (EWU-W) 6-2, 6-2
4. Dodge, Clare (GON) def. BAMPTON, Caitlin (EWU-W) 6-3, 6-3
5. LIENING, Judy (EWU-W) def. Stime, Britta (GON) 4-6, 6-4, 10-7
6. Lantta, Sophie (GON) def. RICKS, Helon (EWU-W) 6-4, 7-6 (5-0)
Doubles competition
1. MEHNDIRATTA, Rika/FARMER, Danielle (GON) def. BAMPTON, Caitlin/KNIGHT, Kelsey (EWU-W) 8-6
2. DODGE, Clare/ZAUERE, Kristina (GON) def. DIAMANTI, Nefeli/LIENING, Judy (EWU-W) 9-7
3. TEITZEL, Prue/TABB, Jackie (GON) def. PATTON, Chelsea/RICKS, Helon (EWU-W) 8-2
Match Notes:
EASTERN WASHINGTON EAGLES 3-1
GONZAGA BULLDOGS 2-0
Order of finish: Doubles (3,1,2); Singles (1,2,3,4,5,6)
