For Immediate Release: March 9, 2002
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Director of Athletic Media Relations (956) 381-2240

ST. MARY’S DEFEATS LADY BRONCS

MORAGA, CA –The University of Texas-Pan American women’s tennis team did not get their spring break trip off to a good start, falling to St. Mary’s of California, 7-0, Saturday afternoon.

Sophomore Celine Merlini (Vevey, Switzerland/Cessev HS) and junior Elisabet Mateos (Barcelona, Spain/Arnau Cadell HS/Laredo CC) earned the Lady Broncs’ only victory, defeating Valerie Verrier and Nicole Hunstock at number one doubles, 8-3. However, the Gaels won the other two doubles matches, and earned the doubles point.

In singles, Merlini dropped her number one singles match in three sets, losing to Annie Wolford, 6-2, 2-6, 6-1. “I was disappointed with the loss,” said UTPA Head Coach Todd Chapman. “We didn’t play very well. Hopefully, we’ll play better tomorrow.”

The Lady Broncs fell to 1-8 with the defeat, while St. Mary’s improved to 8-4.  UTPA will return to action when they visit San Francisco State Sunday.
                                                       
                                                            ST. MARY’S 7, UTPA 0

DOUBLES

1-Celine Merlini and Elisabet Mateos, UTPA, defeated Valerie Verrier and Nicole Hunstock, 8-3.

2-Catalina Fillol and Megan Schulman, SMC, defeated Eve Nickelson and Jessica Brown, 8-3.

3-Henmon Ortega and Annie Wolford, SMC, defeated Kathryn Waslen and Ana Pena, 8-5.

SINGLES

1-Wolford, SMC, defeated Merlini, 6-2, 2-6, 6-1.

2-Verrier, SMC, defeated Mateos, 7-5, 6-3.

3-Fillol, SMC, defeated Waslen, 6-1, 6-3.

4-Schulman, SMC, defeated Nickelson, 6-4, 4-6, (10-5).

5-Hunstock, UTPA, defeated Pena, 6-1, 6-3.

6-Herndon, SMC, defeated Brown, 6-0, 6-1.
                                                                    
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