Photo by Brett Durda
JU Women’s Tennis returned to action Saturday marking the opening of the spring season. According to the university’s athletics page, although Florida Atlantic bested the team 4-3, all was not lost.
The 2012 season was kicked off when freshman Aline Staudt defeated Justine Humail of FAU 7-5, 2-6, 1-0. Sophomore Natalie Mlibeu overwhelmed her opponent Cassie Bergeson 7-6, 6-7 and 1-0 to score JU a second victory.
The two paired up for a doubles match against FAU’s Marlene Ryan and Catalina Ene and won 8-3. Seniors Virginia Iwinski and Veronica Spencer then joined forces to square off against Erika Mrazkova and Natasha Phillips and took the match by a margin of 8-4.
Despite the bold start and an earned doubles point the Dolphins let slip four of their six matches for a final of 4-3.
JU Coach Justin Miles, formerly of Georgia Southern has brought a successful track record to both the men’s and women’s Dolphin squads. Miles spent nine years at his former post and mentored former players to great success on the court and in the classroom. If the women’s team can capitalize on the strengths displayed in the season opener and stay sharp going forward look for Coach Miles’ prior successes to translate to his new home court here at JU.
This Sunday the Lady Fins play host to Savannah State at 1 p.m. Full stats and schedule information are available on the JU Athletics page.