March 6, 2004

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Behind solid doubles and dominating play from two freshman in singles, the Samford women's tennis team recorded its second-consecutive Ohio Valley Conference win, with a 5-2 victory over Morehead State (2-4, 1-1 OVC), Saturday afternoon. The Bulldogs (5-3, 2-0) jumped out early and had the match in hand for most of the afternoon.

"What can I say, besides I am extremely happy," Head coach Terri Sisk said. "They played so well this afternoon and we are showing that we can play with anybody. We are just so excited and can't wait to play again."

Freshman Bethany Benson and Sarah McKey breezed through their singles matches, 6-4, 6-1 and 6-0, 6-0, respectively. With the Bulldogs up 3-2, they looked to lone senior Emily Nunnally to close out the match and secure a victory. The Hattiesburg, Miss. native did so in dramatic fashion with a 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 victory at No. 1 singles. Jen Pharr also looked impressive with a 6-1, 6-4 victory at No. 5 singles.

The doubles team of Katie Crawford and Nunnally has been virtually unstoppable this season and today was no different. Playing on court one, the duo outlasted the Golden Eagles best two, 8-6. On court three Benson and Pharr teamed up for an easy 8-1 victory to give the Bulldogs the doubles point.

Samford will host UAB on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. The match will be played at the Darwin C. Hardison Tennis Center.

Samford 5 Morehead State 2
Doubles:
1. Crawford/Nunnally (SU) d. Baernwick/Beck(MSU) 8-6
2. Stewart/Vanos (MSU) d. White/McKey (SU) 8-6
3. Benson/Pharr (SU) d. Gracia-Medrano/Mahoney (MSU) 8-1

Singles:
1. Emily Nunnally (SU) d. Verena Baernwick (MSU) 6-3, 2-6, 6-4
2. Alex Becka (MSU) d. Katie Crawford (SU) 6-2, 6-3
3. Sheenagh Stewart (MSU) d. Emily White (SU) 7-6, 6-4
4. Sarah McKey (SU) d. Georgia Vanos (MSU) 6-4, 6-1
5. Jen Pharr (SU) d. Ariana Gracia-Medrano (MSU) 6-1, 6-4
6. Bethany Benson (SU) d. Heidi Mahoney (MSU) 6-0, 6-0