April 22, 2010

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The University of Pittsburgh women’s tennis team opened up first-round action this morning at the Big East Championship Tournament, falling 4-0 to No. 7 Rutgers University at the Courtney Tennis Center on the campus of the Notre Dame.

“The team showed a lot of heart today,” said head coach George Dieffenbach. “They gave their best.”

The Panthers dropped the doubles point quickly, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Pitt will now head into consolation play tomorrow, Friday, April 23.

Despite the blank score on the Panthers side, the team fought hard in close matches against a tough Rutgers team. The Scarlet Knights were the No. 7 seed going in to the match against the No. 10 seeded Panthers.

“They worked hard and rose to the level of play to match the competition,” said Dieffenbach. He added he was happy with the team’s aggressive play, especially in singles.

The Panthers will resume match play tomorrow. Match time is set for 3 p.m.

Doubles
1. Adams/Benic (Pitt) v. Zhang/Holzberg (Rutgers) 7-2 DNF
2. Arlak/Slatnick (Rutgers) def. Catanzariti/Visram (Pitt) 8-1
3. Baker/Milchutsky (Rutgers) def. Aprodu/Parbhu (Pitt) 8-1

Singles
1. Elizabeth Adams (Pitt) v. Amy Zhang (Rutgers) 5-7, 5-0 DNF
2. Jennifer Holzberg (Rutgers) def. Adela Aprodu (Pitt) 6-1, 6-2
3. Shannon Benic (Pitt) v. Katherine Arlak (Rutgers) 2-6, 3-4 DNF
4. Maryana Milchutsky (Rutgers) def. Gabrielle Catanzariti (Pitt) 6-4, 6-1
5. Sabrina Visram (Pitt) v. Leonora Slatnick (Rutgers) 6-4, 2-5 DNF
6. Caitlin Baker (Rutgers) def. Karma Parbhu (Pitt) 6-1, 6-0