Univ. of Miami (Florida) Team Page

BOCA RATON, Fla.  - The ninth-ranked University of Miami women's tennis team opened its 2013 season with an impressive 7-0 win at neighboring FAU on Friday at Patch Reef Park.

Each of the singles matches were won in straight sets, with the match-clincher going to freshman Clementina Riobueno as she ousted the Owls' Stephanie Cardullo 6-1, 6-1.

"It was fun to watch four girls begin their college careers for the University of Miami today," head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews said. "It was exciting to see everyone stick together and we saw a lot of good things from everybody."

Other freshmen winning for the Canes were No. 51 Kelsey Laurente (6-4, 6-0) over Catalina Ena, No. 92 Stephanie Wagner (6-0, 6-1) over Natalia Tomaszewicz and Deborah Suarez (6-1, 6-0) over Taylor Briggs.

Sophomore Lina Lileikite, ranked No. 57 in the ITA preseason rankings, downed FAU's Marlene Ryan, 6-2, 6-4, at No. 1 singles and junior Melissa Bolivar made quick work of Natasha Basma, winning 6-1, 6-1.

The Hurricanes set the tone for the day in doubles however, earning victories in each match to claim the early 1-0 lead.  At No. 1 doubles, Bolivar teamed with Riobueno to defeat FAU's Briggs and Tomaszewicz, 8-1. At No. 3, Lileikite and Wagner needed the same score to top Basma and Cardullo. The No. 2 doubles team of Laurente and Dubins led Natasha Phillips and Ene, 5-2, when the doubles point was clinched.

"I think our four new players were able to overcome some nerves and I think they'll feel better moving through this weekend having today under their belt," Yaroshuk-Tews concluded.

The Canes will face No. 24 Illinois in their first home match of the season at Neil Schiff Tennis Center. Double is set to begin at noon.