Feb. 10, 2007

Tuscaloosa, Ala. - The Furman women's tennis team suffered a 6-1 defeat at the hands of the Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday afternoon in a match played at the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility on the campus of the University of Alabama. The Lady Paladins (1-3) picked up victories at both the number one singles and doubles positions. With the victory, No. 58 Iowa improved to 2-3 on the season.

Paladin sophomore Laura Gioia had an impressive weekend in Alabama, winning all of her singles and doubles matches against Alabama and Iowa. Gioia and junior Natasa Manojlovic topped Iowa's Hillary Mintz and Kelcie Klockenga, 8-3, at the top doubles spot. Hawkeye wins and number two and three doubles gave Iowa the advantage heading into singles play.

Furman managed only one singles victory, also at the top of the lineup. Gioia defeated Jacqueline Lee, 6-1, 6-4, to improve to 3-1 this season. Iowa swept the remaining singles competitions en route to the 6-1 victory.

The Lady Paladins return home to battle the Clemson Tigers on Friday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m., at the Mickel Tennis Center.

#58 Iowa 6, #69 Furman 1
Doubles:
1. Laura Gioia/Natasa Manojlovic (FU) def. Hillary Mintz/Kelcie Klockenga (Iowa) 8-3
2. Jacqueline Lee/Milly Veselinovic (Iowa) def. Laurean Tomory/Lauren Osborne (FU) 8-3
3. Kayla Berry/Merel Beelen (Iowa) def. Bonnie Baird/Lisa Bornt-Davis (FU) 8-6

Order of Finish: 2, 1, 3

Singles:
1. Laura Gioia (FU) def. Jacqueline Lee (Iowa) 6-1, 6-4
2. Milly Veselinovic (Iowa) def. Lauren Osborne (FU) 6-3, 6-3*
3. Hillary Mintz (Iowa) def. Bonnie Baird (FU) 6-1, 6-2
4. Kelcie Klockenga (Iowa) def. Natasa Manjolivic (FU) 6-3, 6-1
5. Kayla Berry (Iowa) def. Lauren Tomory (FU) 6-1, 6-0
6. Merel Beelen (Iowa) def. Wanjiku Ngaruiya (FU) 6-0, 6-0

Order of Finish: 4, 3, 2, 1, 5, 6
* Match-clinching victory