March 21, 2009

Greenville, S.C. - The Furman women's tennis team began Southern Conference action with a strong statement, defeating the Samford Bulldogs, 7-0, at Mickel Tennis Center on Saturday afternoon. The Lady Paladins (6-6, 1-0) have won eight consecutive regular-season SoCon titles, amassing 89 straight wins against league opponents. The Bulldogs (3-7, 0-2) are a new face in the SoCon, this season being their first year in the league.

Samford was short-handed in the match and was forced to default at number three doubles and number six singles. Furman took the doubles point and held a 1-0 advantage heading into singles play.

Sophomore Monica Arguello won her sixth straigh match this season and remained undefeated against league opponents in her career, defeating Andrei Meiring, 6-1, 6-2, at two singles. Senior Laura Gioia added to the Furman lead with a 6-3, 6-0 win over Taylor Morgan at the top position. Gioia has won seven of her last eight matches. Senior Lauren Tomory, the reigning SoCon Player of the Week, improved to 8-4 on the season with a 6-1, 6-0 win over Beth Erwin at number five. Furman's Jessica Preeg and Susan Bitetti were also victorious on the afternoon.

The Lady Paladins continue conference play when they host Chattanooga tomorrow at noon.

Furman 7, Samford 0
Doubles
1. Laura Gioia/Monica Arguello (FUR) def. Taylor Morgan/Stephanie Parkison (SAM) 8-3
2. Andrei Meiring/Jessica Diamond (SAM) def. Jennifer Betts/Lauren Tomory (FUR) 8-6
3. Susan Bitetti/Jessica Preeg (FUR) def. No Player/No Player (SAM) Default

Singles
1. #12 Gioia (FUR) def. Morgan (SAM) 6-3, 6-0
2. #85 Arguello (FUR) def. Meiring (SAM) 6-1, 6-2
3. Preeg (FUR) def. Parkison (SAM) 6-2, 6-4
4. Bitetti (FUR) def. Diamond (SAM) 6-4, 7-5
5. Tomory (FUR) def. Beth Erwin (SAM) 6-1, 6-0
6. Betts (FUR) def. No Player (SAM) Default