LOUISVILLE, Ky.--The Bellarmine University women's tennis team opened its spring season by hosting in-state Divsion I rival Western Kentucky University on Saturday, falling to the Hilltoppers 8-1 inside the Sport, Recreation and Fitness Center on Bellarmine's campus.

The match was a glimpse into the future of Knights women's tennis turday as freshmen Michelle McFerran and Caitlin Hanley played their first spring dual match.  They first teamed up at number two doubles winning 8-4 against the DI Hilltoppers.  In their singles matches they each won a set 6-0, lost a set 6-1 and were both eventually defeated in third set super tie-breakers with some excellent shot-making and arduous rallies along the way. 

Bellarmine sophomore Evann Waschuk looked particularly solid playing in the number one singles spot while fellow sophomore  Elizabeth Crush went down fighting at number six singles. 

"Even in a losing effort we can take many positives away from this match," said Bellarmine Coach John Mican. "The effort was the there for the most part, but the execution needs some work."  

Bellarmine next takes to the courts on Saturday, Feb. 9, when they host the University of the Cumberlands.


Western Kentucky 8, Bellarmine University 1
Feb 02, 2013 at Louisville, Ky. 

Singles competition

1. Monta Reinfelde (WKU) def. Evann Waschuk (BU) 6-4, 6-3

2. McKinley Mason (WKU) def. Caitlin Hanley (BU) 2-6, 6-1, 11-9

3. Madeline Phillips (WKU) def. Michelle McFerran (BU) 6-1, 0-6, 10-5

4. Gabby Crofford (WKU) def. Hannah-Rose Hagan (BU) 6-2, 6-2

5. Carolina Barboza (WKU) def. Abby Dorton (BU) 6-2, 6-2

6. Alex Crofford (WKU) def. Elizabeth Crush (BU) 8-6

Doubles competition

1. Monta Reinfelde/Madeline Phillips (WKU) def. Evann Waschuk/Hannah-Rose Hagan (BU) 8-2

2. Caitlin Hanley/Michelle McFerran (BU) def. McKinley Mason/Gabby Crofford (WKU) 8-4

3. Carolina Barboza/Alex Crofford (WKU) def. Abby Dorton/Madeline Tucker (BU) 8-3

Match Notes

Western Kentucky 1-0

Bellarmine University 2-2