Feb. 13, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford women's tennis team starts the season 1-0 as the Bulldogs claim a 4-0 win over in-state rival Jacksonville State in Tuesday's season opener. The Bulldog women battled inclement weather to come out on top over the Gamecocks.

Utilizing the nine courts of the newly completed Pat M. Courington Tennis Pavilion, Samford began playing outside before being forced indoors due to rain.

On the No. 1 court, Anna Jackson defeated Gamecock Erin Higgs, 7-6(4), 6-4, while Katie McMiller beat JSU's Eloah Copes in the No. 2 court, 5-7, 6-2, 10-7. Emily White and Whitnie Warren completed the sweep of Jacksonville State by taking down Kristen Fuller (6-0, 6-2) and Kimberly Ferris (6-2, 0-6, 10-7), respectively. Sarah McKey was leading Babette Lombardo, 6-3, before the match was called.

"It was really nice to open up our 2007 season with a win against an OVC foe," said Samford head coach Terri Sisk. "I though the girls fought hard and succeeded against a good team."

The Samford women will be on the road next weekend before returning home to take on their next conference foe, Southeast Missouri. The Bulldogs will take on Georgia State on Feb. 24 and Kennesaw State on Feb. 25. For full results of those matches, visit www.samfordsports.com.

Singles

No. 1 Anna Jackson (SAM) def. Erin Higgs (JSU), 7-6(4), 6-4

No. 2 Katie McMiller (SAM) def. Eloah Copes (JSU), 5-7, 6-2, 10-7

No. 3 Emily White (SAM) def. Kristen Fuller (JSU), 6-0, 6-2

No. 4 Whitnie Warren (SAM) def. Kimberly Ferris (JSU), 6-2, 0-6, 10-7

No. 5 Sarah McKey (SAM) leading Babette Lombardo (JSU), 6-3, susp.