Lady Raiders Win Season Opener 5-2 Over Belmont

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee women's tennis (1-0) won its season opener with a 5-2 victory over Belmont (3-2) Saturday at the Murfreesboro Racquet Club.

First-year coach Neil Stapp struggled through a bought of nerves after doubles play, as Belmont picked up the first points of the match by winning the doubles point. Middle Tennessee did get a victory at No. 1 doubles when senior Jennifer Klaschka and freshman Ann-Kristin Siljestrom defeated Elizabeth Conyer and Linda Johansson 8-1.

The Lady Raiders bounced back in singles play, winning five out of six matches for the victory. Middle Tennessee found a tough opponent in the visiting Belmont Bruins as the Lady Raiders fought through most of the matches to pick up the win.

"Belmont was a tough opponent, as this was their fifth match of the season and our first," Stapp said. "We struggled some, but I was proud of the seniors as they fought through their matches and found a way to win."

Seniors Klaschka and Emily Vest each picked up wins for the Lady Raiders. Klaschka defeated Johnansson at No. 1 singles 7-6, 6-2 and Vest won at No. 4 singles with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win over Shivani Oberoi.

Siljestrom had no trouble in her first collegiate match as she breezed by Christina Griffith 6-1, 6-1 at No. 6 singles. Australians Claudia Szabo and Jacqui Williams also picked up their first wins of 2005, as Szabo won at No. 3 singles and Williams was victorious at No. 5 singles.

Middle Tennessee won't rest on its laurels, as the Lady Raiders return to action on Sunday to face future Sun Belt Conference foe Troy. Match-time is set for 10 a.m. at the Murfreesboro Racquet Club.

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