Sunday, May 13, 2001

FIU Women's Tennis falls in Regional finals

anderbilt ended No. 25-ranked FIU's best women's tennis season ever by shutting out the Golden Panthers, 4-0, in the championship match of the regionals of the NCAA Championships in Nashville, Tenn. The Commodores advance to the Round of 16 for the fifth time in their seven NCAA appearances.

No. 6 Vanderbilt got off to a quick start by winning the doubles point. Julie Ditty and Kate Burson led the way, defeating Mariana Faustinelli and Anneliese Rose, 8-1, at the No. 1 position. The nation's No. 17-ranked doubles team of Sarah Riske and Aleke Tsoubanos clinched the point, winning at No. 2 by an 8-1 decision.

Vanderbilt continued their dominance in the singles matches. Ditty, the No. 15-ranked singles player in Division I, quickly disposed of No. 59 Rose in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3. Burson followed shortly behind, defeating Faustinelli, 6-0, 6-2. The victory marked Burson's 75th of her career. Kelly Schmandt clinched the match for the Commodores, winning 6-0, 6-1, over Maria Montoya at No. 6.

The three remaining matches were abandoned.

Vanderbilt, who defeated its last eight regional opponents with shutout victories, faces the winner of today's matchup between Fresno State and UCLA on Thursday, May 17, in Stone Mountain, Ga.

Singles
1. Julie Ditty (VU) def. Anneliese Rose (FIU) 6-2, 6-3
2. Sarah Riske (VU) vs. Mari Toro (FIU) 6-2, 3-3 ab.
3. Jenny Miller (VU) vs. Alexandra Guzman (FIU) 2-6, 3-2 ab.
4. Kate Burson (VU) def. Mariana Faustinelli (FIU) 6-0, 6-2
5. Aleke Tsoubanos (VU) def. Cristina Campana (FIU) 5-7, 2-1 ab.
6. Kelly Schmandt (VU) def. Maria Montoya (FIU) 6-0, 6-1

Doubles
1. Ditty/Burson (VU) def. Faustinelli/Rose (FIU) 8-1
2. Riske/Tsoubanos (VU) def. Guzman/Campana (FIU) 8-1
3. Miller/Rose (VU) vs. Toro/Montoya (FIU) 4-2 ab.