April 11, 2009
TEMPE, Ariz.--As the clouds settled over Arizona skies on Saturday, the 25th-ranked Women's Tennis team battled it out in conference play against a demanding USC team, ultimately falling 4-2. The loss drops ASU to 10-8 overall and 3-4 in the Pac-10, while the No. 9 Women of Troy improve 19-2 overall and 7-0 in the Pac-10.
After a rain delay stalled play for two hours, singles action got underway. The Devils came out tough as No. 53 Nadia Abdala led an upset over No. 33 Sarah Fansler 6-2, 6-2 on court two. In the number one position, No. 3 Kelcy McKenna found it difficult to pull away from No. 18 Maria Sanchez, ultimately dropping the match to Sanchez, 6-2, 6-3. On court six, freshman Sianna Simmons was unable to hold off Layla Entekhabi 6-4, 6-3. On court four, No. 92 Micaela Hein shined for the Devils, skillfully defeating No. 68 Gabriela Niculescu 7-5, 6-2. However, the poor weather would prove ominous for the Devils as No. 65 Alison Ramos got the better of freshman Michelle Brycki in a tough 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 decision on court five. On court three, senior Laila Abdala and No. 26 Amanda Fink were able to get in two sets before rain stopped them up twice in the third set. After waiting over an hour for courts to dry, Fink bested Abdala 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.
"Our team competed well and I think they came back well after a 5 hour match yesterday," Head Coach Sheila McInerney said. "Michelle and Laila both lost tough three-setters that really could have gone either way."
Due to the rain, doubles matches were not played and will not be rescheduled.
Women's Tennis will host in-state rival the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in Tempe at ASU's Whiteman Tennis Center.
No. 9 USC def. No. 25 Arizona State 4-2
April 11, 2009
Whiteman Tennis Center--Tempe, Arizona
Singles
1. Maria Sanchez def. Kelcy McKenna 6-2, 6-3
2. Nadia Abdala def. Sarah Fansler 6-2, 6-2
3. Amanda Fink def. Laila Abdala 3-6, 6-1, 6-4
4. Micaela Hein def. Gabi Niculescu 7-5, 6-2
5. Alison Ramos def. Michelle Brycki 6-3, 5-7, 6-3
6. Layla Entekhabi def. Sianna Simmons 6-4, 6-3