March 18, 2005

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University women's tennis team (10-3, 4-1 OVC) swept Savannah State today (March 18) at the Darwin C. Tennis Center, located on the campus of Samford University. The Bulldogs recorded its sixth-consecutive match win today.

In doubles, the Bulldogs took the doubles point with a win at court No. 1 with Bulldogs Katie Crawford / Bethany Benson defeating SSU' s Niekelle Lashley/ Karen Richards (8-3), while at court No. 2 with Samford's Katie McMiller / Christie Baker sweeping SSU's Vernisha Davis/ Jennifer Steward (8-0). At court No. 3, the Samford team won by default as Savannah State could not provide enough players.

In singles, the Bulldogs swept all six with Samford's Emily White defeating Savannah State's Niekell Lashley (6-1, 6-1) at court No. 1, Sarah McKey winning against SSU's Karen Richards (6-2, 6-1) at court No. 2 and Miller sweeping Savannah State's Tracey Modeste (6-0, 6-0) at court No. 3. At court No. 4 Benson won against SSU's Jennifer Stewart (6-0, 6-0), while at court No.5 Lauren Pitcher swept SSU's Vernisha Davis (6-0, 6-0). At court No. 6, the Samford team won by default.

Samford, 7
Savannah State, 0
Doubles:
No. 1 Crawford/Benson (SAM) def. Lashley/Richards (SSU), 8-3
No. 2 McMiller/ Baker (SAM) def. Davis/Steward (SSU), 8-0
No. 3 Samford wins by default

Singles:
No. 1 White (SAM) def. Lashley (SSU) 6-1, 6-1
No. 2 McKey (SAM) def. Richards (SSU) 6-2, 6-1
No. 3 McMiller (SAM) def. Modeste (SSU) 6-0, 6-0
No. 4 Benson (SAM) def. Steward (SSU) 6-0, 6-0
No. 5 Pitcher (SAM) def. Davis (SSU) 6-0, 6-0
No. 6 Samford wins by default 

The Bulldogs will battle OVC-rival Murray State on Saturday, March 19. The women's team will play at 10:30 a.m., while the men's team is set for a noon start.