April 18, 2008

Agate

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The 68th-ranked Furman women's tennis team won its first match of the 2008 Southern Conference tournament with a 4-0 victory over ninth-seeded Appalachian State.

The Paladins had no problem in doubles play, with the team of Laura Gioia and Natasa Manojlovic handling Anja Gugger and Laura Janke by a score of 8-0 in flight one and Lauren Osborne and Monica Arguello topping Monica Tomas and Heather Pryor 8-1.

In singles play, Gioia earned a quick 6-0, 6-0 win over Gugger in the number one spot, while Lauren Osborne defeated Heather Prior 6-0, 6-0 in flight three. Jessica Preeg clinched the match for the Paladins with a 6-3, 6-0 win over Amanda Cash in the fourth spot.

With the win, Furman improves to 17-5 overall, while Appalachian State ends the 2008 season with an 8-12 record.

The Paladins advance to play the winner of #4 UNC Greensboro and #5 Elon in the semifinal match, which is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18.