Women's Tennis Kicks Off "March Madness"

March 8, 2004

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The 21st-ranked University of Miami downed in-state rival South Florida, 7-0 this past Friday in Tampa, Fla. to jumpstart what will be one of the toughest stretches of recent memory in the program’s history.

With the win over USF the Hurricanes improve to 6-1 overall on the season, but face a major uphill battle during the month of March, with six of the remaining eight matches in the month against teams currently ranked in the top 75.

Miami will play what could be considered their most difficult portion of the schedule this week, hosting No. 32 William and Mary Tuesday, No. 29 Wake Forest Thursday and BIG EAST rival No. 69 Virginia Tech Saturday at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center.

“This week will be a great test for our program,” head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews said.

“Consistency in dual match play has been one of our goals this season. This week will prove our player’s commitment to a successful season.”

“Momentum gained this week has the capability of creating a buzz around this program going into our match with No. 11 UCLA next week in Los Angeles,” Yaroshuk-Tews added.

The following week UM travels to Los Angeles, Calif. to take on No. 11 UCLA March 17 and No. 26 Pepperdine the following day.

The Bruins are 7-5 on the season including wins over No. 5 North Carolina and No. 14 Fresno State and boast two of the nation’s top players in No. 13 Jackie Carleton and No. 44 Daniela Bercek. Pepperdine is 7-3 in dual play this season with five wins over ranked teams.

Miami wraps up the month hosting Dartmouth March 24, Marquette March 26 and No. 75 Central Florida March 27.

Yaroshuk-Tews stresses the importance of individual play to achieve team success during the month-long course.

“I’m looking for every member of this team to be accountable for their point in singles and doubles play,” Yaroshuk-Tews stated.

For all your Miami tennis information, please visit hurricanesports.com.