Tuchband Falls in First Round of NCAA Singles Championship

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May 19, 2003

GAINESVILLE, FLA – Virginia women’s tennis fourth year Jennifer Tuchband (Millburn, N.J.) fell in the first round of the 2003 NCAA Singles Championships held at the University of Florida. Tuchband lost 6-3, 7-6 to No. 9-16 seeded Sarah Riske of Vanderbilt in the opening round of the 64-player tournament.

In the first set, Riske went up a break early and held that advantage the remainder of the first set, winning it 6-3. In the second set, Tuchband came out strong, winning the first four games of the set. Riske would respond by winning the next five to give her a chance to serve for the match at 5-4 in the second. Tuchband broke Riske’s serve at love to stay in the match and each held serve in the next two games to send the set to a tiebreaker. The tiebreaker was tied 3-3 early before Riske won the next four points to win the set and the match.

“I thought Jen played very well today, especially in her return of serve,” stated Virginia head coach Phil Rogers. “Riske is one of the top players in the country and Jen stayed in the match with her. Jen had a great start to the second set but I think Riske’s game of the ground eventually wore Jen down. I am proud of Jen’s performance, she reperesented her school well.”

Tuchband and fellow fourth year Henriette Williams (Raleigh, N.C.) begin play in the 32-team NCAA Doubles Championship Tuesday in Gainesville. They drew No. 1 seed Lauren Barnikow and Erin Burdette of Stanford in the first round.