March 27, 2009

The University of Texas-Pan American women's tennis program (1-12) suffered a 7-0 loss to the Owls this Friday (March 27) afternoon at the Jake Hess Tennis Stadium in Houston, Texas.

"We played well against a very well prepared team and the girls are learning to deal with the pressure even though the scores don't reflect it just yet," said interim head coach Chris Gill. "We have to play amazing tennis in order to keep up with the opponent."

In doubles play, the Owls dominated in number-two doubles as Rebecca Lin and Jessica Jackson defeated Megan Bedeau and Luisa Cantu, 8-0. Stephanie Willerding and Luisa Cantu dropped an 8-1 decision to Julie Chao and Ana Guzman in the top spot of the rotation, while the Owls Rebekka Hänle and Alex Rasch handed Malin Andersen and Sarah Burton an 8-2 setback.

The Lady Broncs had most success in number-six singles as Reetta Raty lost 6-4, 6-4 to Varsha Shiva-Shankar. In the number-four spot, Andersen was defeated 6-4, 6-2 by Jackson with the Owls Guzman handing Bedeau a 6-0, 6-2 setback.

Both Luisa Cantu and Stephanie Willerding dropped 6-1, 6-0 decision to Hänle and Chao respectively. Andrea Salvetova dropped a quick 6-0, 6-0 decision to Lin.

The Lady Broncs continue their stay in Houston, Texas as they face the Lady Cougars of Houston this Saturday at the John E. Hoff Courts with an 11:00 a.m. start.

"Our next opponent is the University of Houston, which is having a great season. We really have to play our best to be able to compete, which I know the girls are giving each time we take the courts!" added Gill.

Rice 7, UTPA 0

Doubles Competition:
1. Julie Chao/Ana Guzman (Rice) def. Stephanie Willerding/Reetta Raty (UTPA) 8-1
2. Rebecca Lin/Jessica Jackson (Rice) def. Megan Bedeau/Luisa Cantu (UTPA) 8-0
3. Rebekka Hänle/Alex Rasch (Rice) def. Malin Andersen/Sarah Burton (UTPA) 8-2

Singles Competition:
1. Julie Chao (Rice) def. Stephanie Willerding (UTPA) 6-1, 6-0
2. Rebekka Hänle (Rice) def. Luisa Cantu (UTPA) 6-1, 6-0
3. Ana Guzman (Rice) def. Megan Bedeau (UTPA) 6-0, 6-2
4. Jessica Jackson (Rice) def. Malin Andersen (UTPA) 6-4, 6-2
5. Rebecca Lin (Rice) def. Andrea Salvetova (UTPA) 6-0, 6-0
6. Varsha Shiva-Shankar (Rice) def. Reetta Raty (UTPA) 6-4, 6-4

UTPA Sports Information