March 29, 2010
Results
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - The women's tennis team from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) took three tough losses over the weekend, falling by the score 6-1 to each of three non-conference opponents. UMES fell to Monmouth (N.J.), St. Mary's (Md.) and MEAC rival Coppin State.
The Lady Hawks played two matches on Saturday, facing a pair of Hawks, the first from Monmouth and the second, the Seahawks from St. Mary's (Md.). Against Monmouth Solana McMillan picked up a win over Nicole Lippens 5-7, 7-5, 10-6. McMillan, along with partner Paula Vilas also played well in doubles falling to Lippens and Katie Tierney 8-2. Vilas also had a good singles outing, falling 6-1, 6-1 at the second spot to Jessica Slinger.
Just a few hours later UMES took on in-state school St. Mary's. the Seahawks, in town to play Salisbury also took on double duty but were a little fresher, getting the win. McMillan was again solid, picking up her second win on the day, a 6-1, 6-0 defeat of Michelle Compton at the top spot. Vilas was again strong, falling 6-2, 6-2 to Beth Handy at the second spot.
"I am extremely proud of Solana's performance this weekend," said Coach Harold Fowler. "She went to the tiebreaker in the morning after dropping the first set on Saturday and then dug deep to get the win later in the day."
Those two also picked up a doubles win, an 8-6 topping of Compton and her partner Chelsea Bradcovich. St. Mary's took the second and third doubles however to capture the point.
On Sunday, UMES fell to the Lady Eagles. Anna Katenta got her first career win with a 6-4, 6-3 defeat of Janine Manley at no. five singles. McMillan may have gotten her third victory of the weekend but retired with the match tied at six in the set. McMillan and Coltrane played well at no. 1 doubles, falling 8-2.
"We had some new players out there for the first time," said Fowler. "I think once we get some more practice together they will show great promise. The team of LaToya Coltrane and newcomer Kira Chapman can be really good once they get some time together. We can improve greatly as a team with more practice time."
UMES is off until April 3 when they host Delaware State in a conference tilt at 1:00 p.m. at the Hawks Outdoor Tennis Complex.
