UM's Mari Toro highlights opening day of Regional Tournament

Oct. 26, 2001

Mobile, Ala. (www.hurrianesports.com) – Miami’s Mari Toro, seeded No. 12 in Flight A singles, defeated Georgia’s Alexandra Smith 6-4, 0-6, 6-1, to advance to the Sweet Sixteen of the Omni Hotels South Regional Tournament on Friday at the Mobile Tennis Center on the University of South Alabama Campus in Mobile, Ala.

Toro, who defeated Rochelle Goldthreate in straight sets 6-0, 6-2 earlier in round one of the tournament, will face Florida’s No. 5 seeded Julia Scaringe in the third round on Saturday.

In Flight B singles action, UM’s Lauren Scaglione also advanced to the Sweet Sixteen after defeating Nadia Dellarciprete (6-3, 6-2) and Laura Alacron (6-0, 6-0).

In doubles competition, UM’s top tandem of Staci Stevens and Toro won their Flight A opening match against JU’s Dorien Geerlsema and Mami Inoue 8-5 advancing to the second round. Miami’s Sihem Bennacer and Sarah Robbins also advanced to the second round knocking off Auburn’s Liz Sauerborn and Sarah Suitor 8-1.

In other Flight A singles action, Bennacer opened up with a straight set upset victory over No. 15 seed Carole Soubis 6-2, 6-1. Bennacer then dropped a 6-1, 6-0 decision to Josien Boverhof in the second round.

Additionally, Miami’s Robbins rebounded from an opening round Flight A singles loss to Analia Longoni (7-6, 0-6, 6-4), as she defeated Amy Bartlett in three sets 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 in the first round of consolation action.

The Hurricanes will be back in action Saturday as play begins at 9 a.m.in the Omni Hotels South Regional Tournament in Mobile, Ala.