Tide women’s tennis falls to Furman

GREENVILLE, S.C. | The University of Alabama women’s tennis team dropped a 6-1 decision today to Furman in its second consecutive road match of the weekend. With the loss, the Crimson Tide fell to 2-1 and the Paladins improved to 3-2.

“Furman played well today,” said Alabama head coach Jenny Mainz. “They did a nice job of neutralizing us and that made the difference in the match. We got anxious and overplayed. We lost momentum after doubles and Furman played solid singles.”

Alabama’s top doubles tandem of Paulina Bigos and Andrea Brenes fell to Furman’s Laura Gioia and Natasha Manojlovic, 8-3, while Tiffany Welcher and Alice Tunaru fell to Lauren Osborne and Monica Arguello, 8-4, at the No. 2 slot. At No. 3, Bianca Svensson and Meritt Emery fell to Lauren Tomory and Jessica Preeg, 8-4.

In singles action, Svensson picked up the only Tide victory of the day at No. 6. Svensson defeated Christina Swindall, 6-4, 6-2.

“We have to do a better job of being more consistent in setting up our points, executing and choosing our shot selection,” said Mainz. “We need to go back to the drawing board and prepare for next weekend.”

The Tide is back in action next weekend as it plays host to Rice and Louisville.

For more information on Alabama women’s tennis, visit www.rolltide.com.

Alabama 1, Furman 6

Singles:

1. #75 Laura Gioia (FU) d. Tiffany Welcher (UA) 6-4, 6-2

2. Monica Arguello (FU) d. Alice Tunaru (UA) 6-2, 6-2

3. Lauren Osborne (FU) d. Paulina Bigos (UA) 6-3, 6-3

4. Jessica Preeg (FU) d. Meritt Emery (UA) 6-4, 6-2

5. Lauren Tomory (FU) d. Andrea Brenes (UA) 6-3, 5-7, 10-3

6. Bianca Svensson (UA) d. Christina Swindall (FU) 6-4, 6-2

Doubles:

1. Gioia/Manojlovic (FU) d. Bigos/Brenes (UA) 8-3

2. Osborne/Arguello (FU) d. Welcher/Tunaru (UA) 8-4

3. Tomory/Preeg (FU) d. Svensson/Emery (UA) 8-4

4. Swindall/Ngaruiya (FU) d. Nolen/Bethmann (UA) 8-4