Feb. 20, 2007

ELON, N.C. - Behind the strength of a doubles sweep and five singles victories, East Carolina posted a 6-1 non-conference win over Elon Tuesday afternoon at the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center.

The Lady Pirates (9-5) pulled out all three doubles matches to snatch the first point from Elon (4-3). Luiza Borges and Varinia Soler edged out Deanne Bailey and Paige Kensrue 8-6 at No. 1, Mireia Gol and Hannah Priest staved off Hayley Wahl and Whitney Butcher 8-4 at No. 2 and Alex Smith and Brooke Walter slipped past Jenn Tucci and Alli Benton 8-6 at No. 3.

In ECU's five singles victories, Gol overcame Tucci 6-2, 7-6 (8-6) at No. 2, Walter defeated Kensrue 6-3, 6-1 at No. 3, Soler held off Butcher 7-5, 6-4 at No. 4, Smith turned back Francie Rudolph 6-3, 6-2 at No. 5 and Presley Thomas out-dueled Wahl 6-3, 6-4 at No. 6. The Phoenix' lone tally came as a result of Bailey's 6-2, 6-4 triumph over Borges in the No. 1 matchup.

East Carolina will host Coastal Carolina in its next match Friday at 1 p.m.

EAST CAROLINA 6, ELON 1
Singles Play
No. 1 - Deanna Bailey (ELON) def. Luiza Borges (ECU); 6-2, 6-4
No. 2 - Mireia Gol (ECU) def. Jenn Tucci (ELON); 6-2, 7-6 (8-6)
No. 3 - Brooke Walter (ECU) def. Paige Kensrue (ELON); 6-3, 6-1
No. 4 - Varinia Soler (ECU) def. Whitney Butcher (ELON); 7-5, 6-4
No. 5 - Alex Smith (ECU) def. Francie Rudolph (ELON); 6-3, 6-2
No. 6 - Presley Thomas (ECU) def. Hayley Wahl (ELON); 6-3, 6-4
Doubles Play
No. 1 - Borges/Soler (ECU) def. Bailey/Kensrue (ELON); 8-6
No. 2 - Gol/Hannah Priest (ECU) def. Butcher/Wahl (ELON); 8-4
No. 3 - Smith/Walter (ECU) def. Alli Benton/Tucci (ELON); 8-6
Team Records: East Carolina 9-5, Elon 4-3