Feb. 17, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford University women's tennis team fell 5-2 to non-conference rival Arkansas State on Friday at the Lakeshore Foundation.

The Bulldogs forced a number of three-set matches, and won two of the singles points, while Arkansas State won four singles points and the doubles point.

"The improvement we are making daily is truly unbelievable," said Samford head coach Terri Sisk. "Arkansas State is a quality team. The fact that we lost three matches in three sets shows that we're just getting stronger every time we take the court. Our doubles play looked exponentially better. Matches like this truly set the stage for conference play, and that is what the girls wanted. We've never even taken a court from that team until this year, so the progress is unbelievable."

In singles play, Katie McMiller claimed the point on the No. 2 court, defeating Paula Chelminska, 6-1, 6-2, while Amber Dyar won the No. 6 point over Karen Saravia, 3-6, 6-2, 6-1. Emily White, Whitnie Warren and Sarah McKey all forced their matches to three sets, but were unable to claim the points. On the No. 7 court, Bethany Benson won an exhibition match over Melissa Silva, 8-4.

In doubles play, Arkansas State swept the doubles point, claiming all three courts. White and McKey dropped a thrilling 8-7 match to Marina Engelbrecht and Chelminska on the No. 1 court, while McMiller and Anna Jackson fell, 8-2, to Zelika Minic and Renee Branker on the No. 2 court and Warren and Baker fell, 8-3, on the No. 3 court to Maria Oprea and Saravia.

The Bulldogs are set to return to action on Saturday, when they head to Auburn, Ala. to take on Auburn at noon.


Arkansas State 5, Samford 2
Doubles
No. 1 Engelbrecht/Chelminska def. White/McKey, 8-7
No. 2 Minic/Branker def. McMiller/Jackson, 8-2
No. 3 Oprea/Saravia def. Warren/Baker, 8-3

Singles
No. 1 Marina Engelbrecht def. 6-1, 6-3 Anna Jackson
No. 2 Katie McMiller def. Paula Chelminska 6-1, 6-2
No. 3 Maria Oprea def. Emily White 3-6, 6-4, 6-3
No. 4 Zelika Minic def. Whitnie Warren 7-6(6), 4-6, 6-3
No. 5 Renee Branker def. Sarah McKey 5-7, 6-4, 6-4
No. 6 Amber Dyar def. Karen Saravia 3-6, 6-2, 6-1
No. 7 (exhibition) Bethany Benson def. Melissa Silva 8-4