Spiders Post Solid First Showing at Cissie Leary Memorial Invitational

Friday, September 22

Philadelphia, Pa.

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University of Richmond

Penn Invitational

Spiders Post Solid First Showing at Cissie Leary Memorial Invitational

09/25/2017 | Women's Tennis

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The University of Richmond women's tennis team jumped out to a fantastic start in fall play this past weekend at the Cissie Leary Memorial Invitational, hosted by Penn.

"To finish the last day of a long tournament with an 8-0 record was a testament to this team's toughness," head coach Mark Wesselink said. "Everyone is a little tired by the last day, and it's a good measure of who really wants it."

The Spiders found success in doubles play, with the pair of sophomore Lea Owens and freshman Adrienne Haynes qualifying for the Flight B doubles final and finishing second.

"Lea and Adrienne in the B flight finals was a nice surprise," Wesselink said. "We just put them together but I like their chemistry."

Leading the way for the Spiders in singles action was newcomer Emily Dunbar, who went a perfect 5-0 in singles action to take the Flight A title. The freshman dropped just one set on her way to a perfect weekend in singles.

"Emily played with a poise beyond her years," Wesselink added. "It was so refreshing to see a player execute a game plan based on consistent pressure as opposed to going for a big shot right away. It definitely took its toll on her opponent as Emily won the last three games for the title."

Senior Gaby Rosales and sophomores Dessi Zlateva and Owens also competed in Flight A, with Zlateva and Owens reaching the consolation final.

In Flight B action, sophomore Lyndell Giffenig won her first match, 7-6, 6-4, but dropped her second, finishing in the win-lose bracket. Junior Ana Ramirez, sophomore Kiana Marshall and Haynes all played in the consolation bracket, qualifying in three of the final four spots.

The Spiders will look to continue a successful fall season when they travel to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to compete in the Wake Forest Invitational on October 6-8.