April 18, 2007

GREELEY, Colo. - The University of Northern Colorado women's tennis team showed significant improvement from a season ago, but were unable to pull off an upset win over in-state rival Colorado State in Wednesday's match on the Butler-Hancock Tennis Courts, falling 4-3 to the Rams.

"We played this team last year," said Bears' head coach Brenda Vlasak. "And we lost 7-0 at their place.

"So going into the match today, we were looking to be competitive, but it was refreshing to see just how competitive we were."

The Bears (5-13) got a win at No. 1 singles from Tabatha Knop, 6-2, 6-4. Tiffany Knop (6-1, 7-6), and Christina Shelly (6-4, 6-3) also won at No. 5 and 6, respectively.

"We really played great tennis today," noted Vlasak. "Everyone played up to their potential."

Prior to the first match, the Bears recognized their three departing seniors by giving them a team picture, signed by all the non-seniors. Shelly, Meredith Krystofik, and Renee Nuccio were all honored for their contributions to the Northern Colorado tennis program.

The Bears will close out their season with a home match against Wyoming on Monday, April 23 at 1 p.m.

Colorado State 4, Northern Colorado 3

Doubles
1. Kirchem/Tyler (CSU) def. Nuccio/Groll: 8-1
2. Strasburger/Pohjalainen (CSU) def. Shelly/Krystofik: 8-3
3. Ti. Knop/Ta. Knop (NCOL) def. Seltsam/Satherlie: 8-4

Singles
1. Tabatha Knop (NCOL) def. Emily Kirchem: 6-2, 6-4
2. Lauren Straburger (CSU) def. Meredith Krystofik: 6-3, 5-7, 6-3
3. Hilary Tyler (CSU) def. Karen Groll: 6-2, 6-3
4. Anette Pohjalainen (CSU) def. Renee Nuccio: 6-0, 7-5
5. Tiffany Knop (NCOL) def. Greer Satherlie: 6-1, 7-6
6. Christina Shelly (NCOL) def. Kirsten Stople: 6-4, 6-3