Virginia Beats VCU in Dual Opener
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Feb. 1, 2013
RICHMOND, Va. – No. 12 Virginia defeated No. 47 VCU, 5-2, in its 2013 dual match season opener Friday at Thalhimer Tennis Center in Richmond.
The Cavaliers (1-0) claimed the doubles point and four of six singles matches to earn the win. VCU falls to 5-2 with the loss.
“It was so great to start the season and even better to see the overall level of play,” Virginia head coach Mark Guilbeau said. “Both teams played extremely well. I was very impressed with the offensive tennis from our team. Each player showed numerous weapons and overall, the team played with great energy, focus and intensity.”
The No. 5 tandem of Erin Vierra (Norwell, Mass.) and Maci Epstein (Winter Park, Fla.) defeated Cindy Chala and Salome Kvitashvili 8-5 at No. 1 doubles. The No. 3 team of Stephanie Nauta (Galveston, Texas) and Maria Fuccillo (Rockville, Md.) beat VCU’s Olga Barscheuskaya and Karina Alesha 8-2.
Julia Elbaba (Oyster Bay, N.Y.), Nauta, Epstein and Vierra posted singles wins for the Cavaliers.
No. 4 Elbaba won by injury default at No. 1 singles, while Nauta beat Kvitashvili 6-3, 6-1 at No. 2. Epstein beat Yukako Noi 6-3, 6-3 at No. 3 singles and Vierra added a 6-2, 6-4 win over Josefin Hjertquist at No. 5.
“We are very happy for the team to have such a good start and we’re looking forward to building off of this win in practice and in the upcoming National Team Indoors,” Guilbeau added.
Virginia hosts the ITA National Team Indoor Championships at Boar’s Head Sports Club on Feb. 8-11.