Monday, October 17, 2011

The Valparaiso University women’s tennis team wrapped up the fall portion of their schedule on Monday afternoon, dropping a 5-2 dual match decision to Robert Morris (Ill.) at the Valpo Tennis Complex.

“We’re showing a great deal of improvement from the beginning of the fall, especially with a team as young as we are,” head coach Traci Young said.  “We were playing a lot more aggressive in doubles today.”

Michele Fredlake (South Bend, Ind./Saint Joseph’s H.S.) earned her first collegiate victory for the Brown and Gold at number four singles, posting a 4-6, 6-1, 10-2 triumph over Stephanie Messina.  Brittany O’Reilly (Green Bay, Wis./Southwest H.S.) added her third victory of the fall at number six, downing Nicole Mitchell 6-1, 6-1.

Robert Morris won each of the other four singles matches in straight sets.  Anastasia Khabirova downed Megan Barthels (Grand Rapids, Mich./Catholic Central H.S.) 6-1, 6-3 at the top of the order while Alejandra Gamboa defeated Kaitlyn Hamel (Lakewood, Colo./Green Mountain H.S.) 6-2, 6-1 at the second spot.  Ana Kostic added a 6-0, 6-2 win over Stephanie York (Elkhart, Ind./Jimtown H.S.) at three and Maria Bellorin topped Lauren Kammerer (Valparaiso, Ind./Valparaiso H.S.) 6-0, 6-1 at five.

Valpo also added a win at number three doubles as Hamel and Fredlake teamed for an 8-3 victory over Khabirova and Mitchell for the duo’s first win of the year.  Gamboa and Messina topped York and Barthels 8-1 at number one while Bellorin and Kostic defeated Kristin Zakiewicz (Bristol, Ind./Northridge H.S.) and Angelina Goheen (Aurora, Ill./Rosary H.S.) 8-5 at number two.

“I think by the time the spring season comes around, we’ll be ready,” Young concluded.