Feb. 5, 2002

(San Francisco) - USF women's tennis dropped a hotly contested match to Bay Area rival San Jose State Tuesday afternoon at Golden Gate Park. The Lady Dons and the Spartans were tied 3-3 after singles play and the match rested on the results of the doubles competition.

San Jose State held won at number one, 8-3, while USF won at number three doubles 8-2. The Spartans fought off a furious charge mounted by Carey Savage and Michelle Duncan to win 9-7 in a marathon contest.

Gabriela Ruiz captured a win for USF at number one singles, while Savage won at number three. Nikki Kobayashi won at number five for the Lady Dons. USF head coach Hilary Somers is thrilled with the effort of her team.

"Carey Savage was in a zone, totally unstoppable hitting aces and winners all day long. With wins from Ruiz, Savage and Kobayashi, it came down to the final match at number four. They battle it out into the dark, with SJSU prevailing 7-6 (10-8) in a nail-biter," Somers stated, who was impressed with Duncan's performance in a long match.

"Michell fought so hard and really proved herself today. She played a wonderful match. It was a tough loss for us, but it will make us stronger for our upcoming battles," Somers concluded.

USF returns to action when they play Sonoma State on Friday, Feb. 8 at Rohnert Park. Match time is scheduled for 2:00 PM.

San Jose State 4, at USF 3 (Golden Gate Park) SINGLES: 1. Gabriela Ruiz (USF) defeated Ana Luckner (SJSU) 6-3, 6-1 2. Noelle Lee (SJSU) defeated Caroline Tweeton (USF) 6-3, 6-1 3. Carey Savage (USF) defeated Coral Silverstone (SJSU) 6-0, 6-2 4. Helen Van (SJSU) defeated Michelle Duncan (USF) 7-5, 7-6 (8-6) 5. Nikki Kobayashi (USF) defeated Whitney Vasu (SJSU) 6-3, 6-2 6. Jessica Borello (SJSU) defeated Alyssa Samuel (USF) 6-4, 6-4

DOUBLES: 1. Lukner/Lee (SJSU) defeated Ruiz/Tweeton (USF) 8-3 2. Van/Silverstone (SJSU) defeated Savage/Duncan (USF) 3. Kobayashi/Dawson (USF) defeated Vasu/Kuo (SJSU)