Feb. 4, 2012

Results

By Tim McCaughan
SIUSalukis.com

DANVILLE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois women's tennis team opened up its spring season on a high note by defeating Eastern Illinois, 5-2.

The Salukis showed their depth with three freshmen a part of wins. Both Ariadna Cairo Baza and Gisela Cairo Baza secured single-play wins at the No 5, and No. 6 spots, respectively. Freshman Natasha Tomishima and junior Jennifer Dien led the way for the Southern, winning at the No. 1 doubles spot, helping SIU sweep the Panthers in doubles action.

"It is hard to play a team that already has a few matches behind them," said head coach Audra Nothwehr. "We had some nervous freshmen, but everyone fought hard and played hard, and we really came together as a team."

Melanie Delsart continued her solid junior campaign securing a 6-2, 6-2 singles win at the No. 1 singles position, defending her No. 10 ITA central region ranking.  

Complete Results
Southern Illinois-5 (1-0)
Eastern Illinois-2 (1-2)

Singles Results
No. 1- Melanie Delsart (SIU) def. Janelle Prisner (EIU) - 6-2,  6-2
No. 2- Anita Lee (SIU) def. Merritt Whitley (EIU) - 7-6, 6-1
No. 3- Amanda Dibbs (EIU) def. Natasha Tomishima (SIU) - 6-4, 3-6, 7-5
No. 4- Jennifer Kim (EIU) def. Jennifer Dien (SIU) - 6-3, 6-7, 6-2
No. 5- Ariadna Cairo Baza (SIU) def. Kristen Laird (EIU) - 6-1, 7-5
No. 6- Gisela Cairo Baza (SIU) def. Annie Egan (EIU) - 6-1, 6-1