UVa Women's Tennis Knocks Off Florida State, 4-3

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March 17, 2002

Charlottesville, Va. – The UVa women’s tennis team picked up one of its biggest wins in the history of the program, as they defeated Florida State, 4-3, on Sunday afternoon. It marks the first victory over the Seminoles during the Phil Rogers era.

“We’ve had some close matches with Florida State since I’ve been here, but haven’t been able to come away with a win,” Rogers said. “There have been a lot of 5-2 and 4-3 losses to them over the years, but never a win. I’m proud of what we accomplished today.”

Despite Florida State getting the doubles point, the Cavaliers reeled off four consecutive wins in singles to get the win. The Cavaliers improve to 9-3 on the season, and are 1-0 in conference play.

The Cavaliers did get a win from Henriette Williams and Jennifer Tuchband at No. 1 doubles, as they defeated Florida State’s Jessica Balbuena and Lauren Walker, 8-5. Balbuena and Walker were No. 43 in the nation entering the match. Williams and Tuchband have now won three in a row at No. 1 doubles.

In singles, Amy O’Donnell defeated Balbuena in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0. O’Donnell improves to 11-3 on the year, and continues to enjoy a successful senior season. Dora Bechliwanis improved to 12-4 in her freshman campaign, with a win over Walker at No. 4 singles. Twin sister Marta picked up her team-leading 16th win of the season, defeating Meredith Fish at No. 5 singles, 6-2, 6-1.

Laura James came through to clinch the match for the Cavaliers, with a win over Amber Ly Tantee at No. 6 singles. After losing the first set, 1-6, James rallied in consecutive sets, 6-2, 6-0, to clinch the match point, and the program’s third victory ever over Florida State.

The Cavaliers return to action on Tuesday when they host Richmond at 2 p.m.

# 52 Virginia 4 # 45 Florida State 3Singles

1. Anca Dumitrescu (FSU) def. Henriette Williams (UVa), 5-7, 6-1, 6-32. Alida Gallovits (FSU) def. Jennifer Tuchband (UVa), 6-3, 6-13. Amy O'Donnell (UVa) def. Jessica Balbuena (FSU), 6-0, 6-04. Dora Bechliwanis (UVa) def. Lauren Walker (FSU), 6-2, 6-25. Marta Bechliwanis (UVa) def. Meredith Fish (FSU), 6-2, 6-16. Laura James (UVa) def. Amber Ly Tantee (FSU), 1-6, 6-2, 6-0

Doubles

1. Williams/Tuchband (UVa) def. Walker/Balbuena (FSU), 8-52. Gallovits/Denny (FSU) def. D. & M. Bechliwanis (UVa), 8-13. Dumitrescu/Lawrence (FSU) def. O'Donnell/Kim (UVa), 8-6

-UVa-