Sept. 18, 2007

VILLANOVA, Pa. - After sweeping the doubles matches and jumping out to an early 1-0 lead, the Villanova women's tennis team was able to hold off the Hawks of Saint Joseph's to secure a 4-3 win yesterday afternoon at the West Campus Tennis Complex. The victory marks the second consecutive win for the Wildcats and improves their record to 2-1, while the Hawks fall to 1-1.

With a 1-0 advantage heading into singles play, Villanova dropped the top-two flights to Saint Joseph's. However, the Wildcats rallied to post wins in the No. 3, No. 4, and No. 6 spots to edge the Hawks 4-3. Villanova was led by freshman Emily Urda (No. 3), sophomore Courtney Reed (No. 4), and junior Daniella Phillis (No. 6), who all found success in the doubles matches, as well as earned what proved to be crucial wins in singles.

Urda had a close call in the No. 3 spot as it took three sets to defeat Saint Joseph's Gina DiGiacomo. Villanova junior Lyndsey Lostritto also took her opponent into an extra set before bowing out in the No. 5 spot to surrender the point for the Wildcats.

Villanova returns to action this Saturday, September 22 as they host Fordham University at 1 p.m. at the West Campus Tennis Complex.

VILLANOVA 4, SAINT JOSEPH'S 3

Singles

1.)Stephania Velazquez (SJU) def. Jaclyn Williamson (VU) 7-6, 6-3

2.)Jhen Kedzierska (SJU) def. Carla Erskine (VU) 7-6, 6-4

3.)Emily Urda (VU) def. Gina DiGiacomo (SJU) 6-2, 3-6, 6-2

4.)Courtney Reed (VU) def. Maggie Mullaney (SJU) 6-2, 6-2

5.)Lauren Kuhmerker (SJU) def. Lyndsey Lostritto (VU) 6-0, 7-5, 5-7

6.)Daniella Phillis (VU) def. Liz Sitzler (SJU) 6-3, 6-1

Doubles

1.)Williamson/Ashley Reed (VU) def. Velazquez/Kedzierska (SJU) 8-3

2.)Erskine/Phillis (VU) def. DiGiacomo/Mullaney (SJU) 9-7

3.)Urda/C. Reed (VU) def. Kuhmerker/Katy Bordern (SJU) 8-1