Feb. 10, 2008
The UTEP tennis team continued its sizzling start to the 2008 season by trouncing Utah State, 7-0, at the El Paso Tennis Club Sunday afternoon. The Miners move to 5-1 on the year, which ranks as the third-best start in program history.
UTEP was in top form, claiming every match on the day. The Miners swept doubles play, before rolling to six straight set victories in singles action.
Things got off to a good start at doubles, with the Orange and Blue sending an early message to Utah State that it would be a long day. Marina Deluca and Ximena Fuentes cruised at No. 2 doubles, drilling Brittany Watts and Hailey Swenson, 8-2.
UTEP secured the team point thanks to the efforts of Amber Brightly and Vicky Michaud at No. 3 doubles. The duo waxed the tandem of Taylor Perry and Jennifer Johnson, 8-2. Weronika Bloczynska and Megan Pritchard capped off the romp in doubles action by clipping Brianna Harris and Bridgette Strickland, 8-6.
The Miners were just heating up, though, as they put on a clinic in singles play. Bloczynska dismantled Harris, 6-0, 6-3, at No. 1 singles.
DeLuca was nearly flawless at No. 2 singles, posting a 6-0, 6-1, triumph against Swenson. Fuentes was also locked in, blitzing Strickland at No. 4 singles by a final score of 6-0, 6-3
Pritchard, who has been hampered with an ankle injury, showed now ill effects in her 6-2, 6-1, romp against Strickland at No. 3 singles. At No. 5 singles, Michaud was in cruise control against Perry, picking up a 6-2, 6-0, win.
Brightly put the icing on the cake with a 6-2, 6-1, rout at No. 6 singles versus Johson.
The Miners, winners of two straight, will take aim at their third consecutive victory when they take on Colorado State at 9 a.m. on Feb. 17.
