Feb. 2, 2002
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue women's tennis team swept Utah today at the Lafayette Sports center. It is the first sweep by the Boilermakers since Feb. 26, 1999, when they defeated Southern Methodist 9-0.
Head coach Mat Iandolo was impressed with his team's competitive spirit.
"We played with intensity and were very aggressive in doubles," Iandolo said. "Utah came back with a lot of energy, but we were able to fight them off and take control of singles. I feel good about our performance today."
The afternoon began with Purdue downing the Utes in all three matches of doubles, allowing the Boilermakers to win the first point of the match.
In singles, junior Melissa Iqbal and sophomore Melissa Woods were energetic and confident. Iqbal defeated Linn Ronnberg. Woods, who was down 3-0 in the second set against Ellen Svensson came back to win 6-2, 6-3.
"I stayed focused mentally and had a lot of fun," Woods said. "It felt great to be competing out there in singles."
The freshmen also rose to the occasion. Freshman Shawna Zuccarini posted a win against Cassie Kasteler and classmate Lara Burgarello split sets before defeating Sheri Esrock 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 at No. 4.
"Shawna played well and inspired others to continue in her path," Iandolo said. "Lara came back from a slow start to finish off her match and win the point."
The women return to action tomorrow at 11 a.m., when they face No.24 Kentucky at the Lafayette Sports Center.
Purdue 7, Utah 0
Singles
1. Melissa Iqbal (PU) def. Linn Ronnberg (UU) 6-3, 6-3
2. Gretchen Haynor (PU) def. Irini Kotoglou (UU) 6-4, 6-2
3. Melissa Woods (PU) def. Ellen Svensson (UU) 6-2, 6-3
4. Lara Burgarello (PU) def. Sheri Esrock (UU) 4-6, 6-3, 6-1
5. Shawna Zuccarini (PU) def. Cassie Kasteler (UU) 6-3, 6-1
6. Lynsey Fick (PU) def. Allison Hansen (UU) 6-4, 6-0
Doubles
1. Missy Wright/Haynor (PU) def. Ronnberg/Svensson (UU) 8-1
2. Woods/Fick (PU) def. Kotoglou/Hansen (UU) 8-2
3. Iqbal/Burgarello (PU) def. Kasteler/Esrock (UU) 8-2