Men's, Women's Tennis Debuts At New Complex

Sept. 19, 2006

GREELEY, Colo. - The Butler-Hancock Tennis Complex made its debut on Tuesday as the University of Northern Colorado men's and women's tennis teams were in action in scrimmages against Metro State.

The newly renovated complex was complete with brand new post-tension concrete courts in U.S. Open regulation colors, new posts and nets, new player seating, and new fences.

The women's team took down the Roadrunners by a score of 7-0. Northern Colorado was led in doubles by seniors Meredith Krystofik and Christina Shelly with an 8-1 win over Metro in the No. 1 matchup.

In No. 2 doubles, senior Renee Nuccio and junior Karen Groll had no trouble in claiming the win with an 8-0 shutout of the Roadrunners.

Freshmen Luiza Xavier and Hannah LaForest wrapped it up for the Bears with an 8-4 victory in No. 3 doubles.

The Bears had no trouble in singles action, winning all six matches. The closest Metro State got in any set was 6-3, which happened in the first set win of Krystofik's No. 2 singles win and in the second set of Xavier's No. 5 singles win.

The mens' team had a little more trouble on the day, as the Bears were upset 4-2 in their first action of the year.

Northern Colorado was led by Kollman Gearhart and Kyle Barrett, who each picked up wins in No. 5 and 6 singles.

Gearhart won his match in a straight set win over Metro with a 6-3, 6-4 decision.

Barrett took down the Roadrunners' Sean Carlton 6-2, 4-6 (12-10) in a tightly contested match.

The men did not play doubles matches.

"I thought both teams competed well," said head coach Brenda Vlasak. "Our women's team was a little more effective since they have already competed this year. Today served as a warm-up for our men since it was their first competition. I was pleased with how the women played, but our men still have room for improvement and hopefully they will get more experience this weekend at Drake."

The men's team will head to Des Moines, Iowa, on Friday to take part in the Drake Invitational. The women will play in the Wyoming Invitational this weekend in Laramie, Wyo.