UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; April 21, 2017-- The Penn State women's tennis team opened the final weekend of regular season play with a 5-2 win against Purdue. The Nittany Lions are now 6-14 on the regular season. The team looks to finish the regular season strong against Indiana this Sunday with a chance at a Big Ten tournament spot on the line.
"It was good for us to get the win today. We have been in a number of close individual matches and close team matches over the past few weeks that had not gone our way so to get over the hump today was big," said head coach Chris Cagle. We know that we need to win on Sunday against Indiana to make the Big Ten Championships so the motivation is right in front of us. I hope we have a great crowd out on Sunday to honor our seniors and close out our regular season."
In singles, Katia Blik, Samantha Smith and Shannon Hanley won their matches in straight sets. Blik (PSU) defeated Djokovic (PUR) 6-3, 6-2. Smith Beat Suarez (PUR) 6-2, 6-4. Hanley was victorious against Calkins (PUR) 6-2, 6-3. Rafella Baquerizo of Purdue retired against Jacqueline Zuhse.
The Blue and White took an early 1-0 lead after capturing the doubles point. McCluskey/Dunn took down Baquerizo/Djokovic of Purdue 6-2. Blik/Smith secured the doubles point beating Sabe/Davila 6-4.
Up next, The Nittany Lions close out the regular season this Sunday, April 23 against Indiana at 11:00a.m. ET. The team will honor the seniors. Live scoring can be found at http://www.gopsusports.com/livestats/c-tennis/xlive.htm.
Keep up with the Penn State women's tennis team at GoPSUsports.com. For continued updates throughout the year, make sure to `like' our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennstatewten and follow our twitter @pennstateWTEN.
Doubles Results
1) McCluskey/Dunn (PSU) def. Baquerizo/Djokovic (PUR) 6-2
2) Zuhse/Hanley (PSU) vs Ruedas/Calkins (PUR) Unfinished
3) Blik/Smith (PSU) def. Sabe/Davila (PUR) 7-5
Singles Results:
1) Blik (PSU) def. Djokovic (PUR) 6-3, 6-2
2) Sabe (PUR) def. McCluskey (PSU) 7-5, 6-4
3) Zuhse (PSU) vs Baquerizo (PUR) 2-6, 6-4, 2-1, Baquerizo retired
4) Davila def. Dunn (PSU) 6-2, 6-3
5) Smith (PSU) def. Suarez (PUR) 6-2, 6-4
6) Hanley (PSU) def. Calkins (PUR) 6-2, 6-3