April 11, 2007

Agate

Atlanta, Ga. - The Furman women's tennis team completed a difficult non-conference schedule on a rainy Wednesday afternoon, falling 7-0 to the fourth-ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at the Bill Moore Tennis Center. Furman (12-9) has challenged eight teams ranked in the top 60 this season, including three that were ranked in the top 20. Georgia Tech (18-4) has won its last 10 matches.

Furman gave the Jackets all they could handle in doubles action, but Georgia Tech eventually pulled away to earn the point. Laura Gioia and Natasa Manojlovic had a five-match winning streak snapped with an 8-6 loss to No. 40 Amanda Craddock and Alison Silverio at number one. Seniors Bonnie Baird and Jacqueline Eckert nearly knocked off Kristi Miller and Christy Striplin, falling 9-8 (7-5).

Georgia Tech held up to its high national rank, sweeping all six singles matches in straight sets. Each Yellow Jacket singles player held a national ranking, ranging from fifth to 116.

The Lady Paladins close out the regular season on Saturday afternoon, when they host Davidson in a Southern Conference showdown at 1 p.m. Furman is looking to end conference play undefeated for the eighth straight year. A win will mean an outright regular-season crown and the top seed in the upcoming tournament. Davidson is currently tied for the second-best record in the league, having only lost to College of Charleston in SoCon action.