EVANSVILLE, Ind. The University of Southern Indiana women's tennis team won its first dual match of the year with a 9-0 non-conference victory over Kentucky Wesleyan College Sunday afternoon at Advantage Court and Fitness. USI raises its record to 1-1 overall, while KWC falls to 6-5.

The Screaming Eagles jumped out to a 3-0 lead by sweeping the doubles matches. Seniors Kim Decker (Brownsburg, Indiana) and Betsy Gentry (Anderson, Indiana) at number one doubles and senior Audra Bartelt (Jasper, Indiana) and freshman Katie Clagg (Terre Haute, Indiana) at number two doubles led the way with 8-1 victories.

The Eagles completed the sweep when senior Maggie Coffman (Sellersburg, Indiana) and freshman Gretchen Cantwell (Vincennes, Indiana) won at number three doubles, 8-5.

In singles action, Gentry started USI off on the right foot with her first collegiate victory, defeating KWC's McKenzie Clausman in straight sets, 6-2 and 6-1.

The Eagles also would sweep the singles play with the closest match being between Bartelt and KWC's Jaime Key. Bartelt won in straight sets, both in tie-breakers, 7-6 (6) and 7-6 (1).

USI will be away from Evansville for the next six matches, four on the road and two at neutral sites. The next match is March 3 at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia.

The next home match will not be until March 20 when the Eagles host DePauw University at the USI Tennis Courts.





Box Score

Ray Simmons, USI Sports Information