Hurricanes Women's Tennis Hosts Local Foe FIU

Jan. 27, 2009

Coral Gables, Fla. – After collecting a pair of victories over in-state opponents last weekend, the University of Miami women’s tennis squad welcomes local rival FIU to the Neil Schiff Tennis Center on Wednesday, January 28 at 2 p.m.

Miami (2-0), ranked No. 13 in the nation, prepares to face their first ranked opponent of the year in No. 53 FIU. The Hurricanes swept Florida Gulf Coast and Florida Atlantic, respectively, with mirror 7-0 scores last Friday and Saturday in Coral Gables.

Sophomore Julia Cohen (No. 8) opened her 2009 spring season in the Orange and Green with a pair of straight-set wins, while two-time All-American junior Laura Vallverdu swept through her opponents in straight-set matches as well.

The duo combined for a 2-0 record in doubles play, taking the court together for the first time in 2008-09.

Bianca Eichkorn (No. 20) and Michaela Kissell (No. 50) stayed perfect over the weekend in singles, and as doubles partners, each collecting a straight-set win in singles play.

Miami holds a 20-1 advantage in the all-time series between these two teams, including head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews staking a perfect 9-0 record against the Golden Panthers.

FIU enters the match with a 1-0 record having defeated Florida Atlantic last weekend. The Golden Panthers are ranked No. 53 by the ITA. The top players for the Golden Panthers are Liset Brito and Priscilla Castillo.

Both players competed at UM in the fall during the UM Women’s Tennis Fall Invitational.

For more information on the University of Miami women’s tennis team, please locate your internet browser to www.hurricanesports.com — the official athletic website for all varsity sports involving the University of Miami Hurricanes.