University of Houston
Southern Miss
Tennis Loses Tight Affair to Southern Miss
3/4/2007 12:00:00 AM | Tennis
March 4, 2007
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Houston tennis team lost a 4-3 decision to Conference USA rival Southern Miss Sunday morning at the Well Worx Tennis Center in Memphis. The match was moved indoors because of cold temperatures at match time.
"I'm a little disappointed that we were unable to come through," head coach John Severance said. "It was the first match we had to fight for this season and we weren't ready for it. The team realizes that we can't be complacent and have to work harder if we want to reach our goals this season."
The Cougars (9-4) lost the doubles point for only the third time this season. Houston's No. 2 pair of Anna Djananova and Rebecca Franzi fell 8-2, while the No. 1 team of Loli Gomez and Leila Salek were shut out, 8-0. Neila Starratt and Vicky Simpson lost 8-4 at the No. 3 spot.
Salek knotted the match at 1-1 with a dominating 6-0, 6-2 at the top of the lineup. It was Salek's first career appearance at the No. 1 position.
Houston grabbed a 2-1 advantage as Vicky Simpson emerged with a 6-4, 6-1 win at the No. 6 slot. It was Simpson's fourth win in her last five appearances in singles play.
Franzi returned to the Houston lineup for the first time since Feb. 9 against North Texas. The Australia native dropped a 6-3, 6-2 decision in the No. 4 hole.
Southern Miss fought back and regained a 3-2 lead as Starratt fell in a 7-5, 6-2 match. The Golden Eagles secured the victory when Djananova lost a hard-fought 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 decision.
Loli Gomez drew Houston within the final 4-3 margin tallying a tight 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 win at the No. 2 position.
Houston returns to Hoff Courts Sunday and takes on No. 52 SMU. It will mark the Cougars third consecutive match against a Conference USA opponent.
"We have a lot of work to do in a little amount of time," Severance said. "SMU is one of the top teams in our conference. We're playing at home and we need to redeem ourselves after our performance this weekend."
First serve against the Mustangs is slated for 10am on the UH campus. Admission is free to Hoff Courts.
