Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. Photo of Anushka Sathe who won at number one singles and number two double.
BLOOMSBURG, Pa. - - Led by a sweep in doubles matches, the Wilmington University women's tennis team earned its first ever victory in just the program's second ever match, defeating Bloomsburg, 8-1, under the lights on Tuesday night at the Burt Reese Tennis Center.
All three doubles matches came out on top for the Wildcats (1-1), putting the team in good position before the singles matches started. Five of the six singles won in straight sets while the final singles match was called in the second set due to an injury, after the Wildcats won the first set.
"I'm so proud of this team," head coach Brad Rose said. "To come out and earn a victory in only their second match as a program is special. The girls worked hard all preseason and have gelled really well as a team after coming here from all over the world. I'm excited, and these girls are excited, to be a part of the first win here at Wilmington."
The doubles match of the night was at number two doubles, as sophomore Anushka Sathe and sophomore Milica Knezevic jumped out to a 5-0 lead en route to an 8-1 victory. Freshmen Laura Gil and Begona Gomar earned an 8-2 victory at number one doubles while freshman Sabrina Blasi-Smith and Dorotea Rankovic finished off the sweep with an 8-4 victory.
Sathe and Knezevic remained hot going into the singles matches as they both finished with 6-0, 6-1 victories. Sathe earned the victory at number one singles while Knezevic helped the Wildcats at number five singles.
Gil used a strong return game to win at number three singles, 6-2, 6-2, while Rankovic earned a ton of points at the net in a 6-4, 6-1 victory at number six singles. Gomar capped the night with the team's eight win at number two singles, 6-3 and 6-1. Blasi-Smith took the first set, 6-4, on the strength of her forehand at number four singles, but retired due to injury in the second set.
The win propels the Wildcats into Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference action on Wednesday, as they will play on their home court at the Delcastle Tennis Center. Splitting the Center with Goldey-Beacom, the two will meet on Wednesday with Goldey-Beacom slated as the home team. First service is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.