April 15, 2009

Greenville, S.C. - Furman seniors Laura Gioia and Lauren Tomory led Furman to a victory in the final home match of their careers as the Lady Paladins defeated the visiting Wofford Terriers, 7-0, in Southern Conference action on Wednesday afternoon at Mickel Tennis Center. Gioia and Tomory have never lost a conference regular-season match during their four years in the Furman uniform.

Furman improved to 14-7 overall and 9-0 in the league, extending its conference winning streak to 97 matches. Wofford dropped to 2-16 on the season and 1-9 in the SoCon.

Gioia rolled to a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Wofford's Cayley Wetzig at the top position. With her tenth consecutive win, Gioia improved to 16-4 on the season and a perfect 9-0 against league opponents. She also teamed with sophomore Monica Arguello to defeat Wetzig and Ashley Lawrence, 8-1, at number one doubles. Tomory won her 15th match of the season, defeating Sonia Anand, 6-1, 6-1, at number five singles. She paired with sophomore Jennifer Betts for an 8-5 victory against Haley Baird and Sabrina Smyers at number two doubles.

Arguello remained unbeaten in SoCon action, scoring a straight-set win over the Lawrence. The sophomore has yet to lose a SoCon singles match during her career. Junior Jessica Preeg posted her sixth straight win, topping Baird at number three singles. Betts and freshman Susan Bitetti also recorded singles victories in the match.

Furman will look to complete its ninth consecutive perfect Southern Conference regular season when it travels to Davidson on Saturday, April 18. The match is slated to begin at 1 p.m.

#66 Furman 7, Wofford 0
Doubles
1. Laura Gioia/Monica Arguello (FUR) def. Cayley Wetzig/Ashley Lawrence (WOF) 8-1
2. Lauren Tomory/Jennifer Betts (FUR) def. Haley Baird/Sabrina Smyers (WOF) 8-5
3. Susan Bitetti/Jessica Preeg (FUR) def. Sonia Anand/Kristin Demosthenes (WOF) 8-5

Singles
1. #19 Laura Gioia (FUR) def. Cayley Wetzig (WOF) 6-1, 6-2
2. #80 Monica Arguello (FUR) def. Ashley Lawrence (WOF) 6-1, 6-1
3. Jessica Preeg (FUR) def. Haley Baird (WOF) 6-2, 6-2
4. Susan Bitetti (FUR) def. Sabrina Smyers (WOF) 6-2, 6-0
5. Lauren Tomory (FUR) def. Sonia Anand (WOF) 6-1, 6-1
6. Jennifer Betts (FUR) def. Betsy Hauer (WOF) 6-0, 6-0