March 21, 2010

Columbia, MO - There is a pretty big basketball game tomorrow between the #10 seed Missouri Basketball team and the #2 seed West Virginia Mountaineers.  Most Tiger fans may not know this will be the second time this weekend the two schools will matchup against each other.  And most Tiger fans will hope the second matchup goes exactly the same way the first did.

The Missouri Tennis team (4-8) dismantled the visiting West Virginia Mountaineers (12-2) today at the Green Tennis Center.  The only win for the Mountaineers was a closely contested three set win at the #1 position.

Play began with the Tigers claiming a tight doubles point.  The Tigers took a win at #2, while the Mountaineers took the #3 match.  All eyes shifted to court one where Kaitlin Ritchie and Mallory Weber were able to come from behind to beat Stephanie LaFortune and Monique Burton 8-6.  The win gave the Tigers the all-important doubles point.

Going into singles, the wheels began to fall off for the Mountaineers as the Tigers were simply the stronger team on this day.  The Mountaineers were able to take the #1 singles position where Stephanie LaFortune was able to take a third set win over Kaitlin Ritchie.

"West Virginia has a lot of good athletes, and they've won a lot of matches," said Coach Starkey.  "But today was a day where the schedule we have played really kicked in.  Anyone who really understands tennis will understand this.  All you have to do is look at the rankings to see we've really put it out there against some of the nation's best.  I think seven of our eight losses are against teams ranked in the top 60, and it is remarkable the way this group keeps getting back out there and positively looking forward to the nextmatch.  I was really proud of Jamie's match today in particular.  Just really wanted her to win her match, and glad she did.  She fought hard, and really put herself in position."

Scores will be updated shortly.