April 7, 2006

MURRAY, Ky. ---- The Samford University women's tennis team narrowly fell, 4-3, to Ohio Valley Conference rival Murray State on Saturday, in Murray, Ky. The matches were supposed to be played at Murray State's outdoor facility, but bad weather forced the teams to move indoors.

"Obviously, we were very disappointed to have lost this match," said Samford head coach Terri Sisk. "Because of the weather, we were forced to play indoors, which is something we never do, while the team we were playing practically grew up on indoor courts. That was a huge disadvantage for us. The good thing is that even though the girls lost, they were able to maintain their momentum, and all they're talking about is the conference Tournament."

The Bulldogs' record is now 10-5 overall, and 6-2 in OVC play, while the Racers improved to 10-8 overall and 6-1 against OVC foes. Murray State claimed the doubles point, which proved important, as the teams split the six singles points.

Whitnie Warren and Christie Baker won over Tami McQueen and Adriana Alvarez on the No. 3 doubles court, 8-3. On the No. 1 doubles court, Emily White and Sarah McKey fell, 8-2, to Anna and Rachel Lask, while Katie McMiller and Anna Jackson fell to Casady Pruitt and Anne Pennington, 8-3, on the No. 2 court.

In singles play, White claimed the No. 3 point with a thrilling 7-6 (6), 6-3 win over Pruitt. McKey won the No. 5 point, defeating Alvarez, 6-1, 6-2. Bethany Benson claimed the No. 6 point, with a 6-2, 6-2 win over McQueen.

The Bulldogs return to action on Saturday, when they take on Eastern Illinois at 10 a.m. in Murray, Ky. Results will be posted at www.samfordsports.com following the conclusion of the match.


Murray State (10-8, 6-1 OVC) 4, Samford (10-5, 6-2 OVC)
Doubles
No. 1 Anna Lask/Rachel Lask (MUR) def. Emily White/Sarah McKey (SAM), 8-2
No. 2 Casady Pruitt/Anne Pennington (MUR) def. Katie McMiller/Anna Jackson (SAM), 8-6
No. 3 Whitnie Warren/Christie Baker (SAM) def. Tami McQueen/Adriana Alvarez (MUR), 8-3

Singles
No. 1 Anna Lask (MUR) def. Anna Jackson (SAM), 6-0, 6-0
No. 2 Rachel Lask (MUR) def. Katie McMiller (SAM), 6-2, 6-3
No. 3 Emily White (SAM) def. Casady Pruitt (MUR), 7-6 (6), 6-3
No. 4 Anne Pennington (MUR) def. Whitnie Warren (SAM), 6-2, 6-4
No. 5 Sarah McKey (SAM) def. Adriana Alvarez (MUR), 6-1, 6-2
No. 6 Bethany Benson (SAM) def. Tami McQueen (MUR), 6-2, 6-2