Feb. 22, 2009

Contact: Dana Ingraham

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- The Cleveland State women entered their match at Michigan State with high hopes, having competed well against several Spartan opponents in tournament play last fall. The Michigan State women quickly shattered that hope as they executed a 7-0 sweep of the Vikings Saturday night.

CSU struggled in doubles play, putting up only three points in all three matches combined.

In singles competition, Michigan State swept the Vikings in straight sets across the board to complete the shutout. Jackie Tabb came out strong at the No. 4 spot before falling 7-5, 6-2 to Ana Milosavlievic.

Freshman Molly Drake stepped in at No. 6 for Sanda Bjelan who was forced to withdraw from the lineup before the match due to a back injury.

"Michigan State played very well this weekend, and unfortunately we were not able to find the success we had in the fall," said CSU coach Brian Etzkin. "We need to go back and focus on doubles play and point construction to be able to compete with teams like these.

"As frustrating as it is for us, this match shows us where we stand and lets us know just how much work we have to do for the rest of the season."

Cleveland State, now 5-4 overall, is back at home next weekend as it takes on Chicago State Friday, Feb. 27 at 7:00 p.m. before traveling to Toledo on Saturday, Feb. 28 for a 3:30 p.m. match.

Michigan State 7, Cleveland State 0
Feb. 21, 2009 at Michigan State Indoor Tennis Facility

Doubles
1. Noe/Wilson (MSU) def. Gibbons/Bjerrehus (CSU), 8-1
2. Kebler/Ivanova (MSU) def. Holzinger/Tabb (CSU), 8-0
3. Lonergan/Milliken (MSU) def. Pepino/Drake (CSU), 8-2

Singles
1. Stephanie Kebler (MSU) def. Charlotte Gibbons (CSU), 6-0, 6-2
2. Manon Noe (MSU) def. Catrine Bjerrehus (CSU), 6-1, 6-3
3. Elena Ivanova (MSU) def. Melissa Holzinger (CSU), 6-2, 6-2
4. Ana Milosavlievic (MSU) def. Jackie Tabb (CSU), 7-5, 6-2
5. Whitney Wilson (MSU) def. Myra Pepino (CSU), 6-1, 6-0
6. Lindsey Lonergan (MSU) def. Molly Drake (CSU), 6-0, 6-2