The Valparaiso University tennis team improved to 4-0 by beating Holy Cross (Ind.) 4-0 as the two teams played a clinch-clinch format on a sunny Friday afternoon at the Valpo Tennis Complex. This is believed to be the first 4-0 start in program history.
How It Happened
- The match began with a competitive doubles point as Valpo recorded a 6-3 win at No. 3 shortly before Holy Cross did the same at second dubs. Sophomore Andrea Delgado (Richmond, Texas / Foster [Dallas Baptist]) and freshman Alexandra Popa (Glenview, Ill. / Glenbrook South) teamed up for the win at the No. 2 spot, beating Emery Porter and Virginie Francois.
- The doubles point hinged on the top match as senior Moira Silva (Houston, Texas / Westside) and sophomore Lacey Tanner (Fort Pierce, Fla. / Florida Virtual School) clashed with Holy Cross' Savvidou and Gonzales-Edwards. The Beacon tandem eked out a 6-4 win to claim the doubles point.
- Junior Jolene Fernandes (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) won at No. 6 Singles when Francois had to retire due to an injury with Fernandes leading the first set 5-0.
- Silva did not drop a game in the second set at No. 1 Singles as she completed a 6-3, 6-0 sweep of Viktroia Savvidou.
- Delgado rolled to a 6-2, 6-2 win over Anna Vanderhyde at the fifth singles spot. The two teams were playing a clinch-clinch format, so play came to a halt after Delgado delivered the win that clinched the team victory.
Inside the Matches
- Silva's doubles win was the 46th of her career, moving her into a tie for eighth in program history. She is now even with Christina Scala (2001-2005) and Jill Dieberg (2002-2006) for eighth on the all-time doubles list.
- Silva singles success lifted her career accumulation to 54, which ranks seventh in program history. She needs three more to move into a tie for sixth.
- Delgado and Silva share the team lead with six singles wins apiece as they own identical 6-1 records through seven matches.
- In doubles play, Delgado and Popa lead the way with a 6-1 mark.
- The Beacons have eclipsed their win total from last season.
- This marks the first time in over three decades, possibly ever, that the Valpo women's tennis program has started a season with a 4-0 record.
Up Next
The Beacons will close out the fall season at the ITA Midwest Regional hosted by Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Ill. beginning on Thursday, Oct. 16.
