Women's Tennis Break Knights 7-2
Sep 22, 2016
DUBUQUE, Iowa - Despite a forecast for rain, the University of Dubuque women's tennis team did something on Wednesday not many UD squads had done before. The Spartans defeated the Wartburg College Knights 7-2, a feat which had not ever happened in the history of women's tennis. As happens along the tri-states, the clouds went north and sun peaked it's head out as the match began lighting up what was going to be a winning display on the court.
A great crowd on hand with the women's basketball team rallying to support the women's tennis team, inspired the Spartans to capture two out of three doubles matches to grab an early 2-1 lead over the Knights. The momentum carried into the singles matches where UD claimed 5-6 singles to win the match 7-2. They all witnessed history in Wednesday afternoon for UD tennis and coach Claudio Giraldi. UD entered the afternoon 0-15 in the series, in fact had never scored more than two set victories against the Knights (2-7 at Wartburg in 2015).
"Great win for the Spartans tonight and another conference match," commented coach Claudio Giraldi. "Our first win ever over Wartburg and the ladies delivered tonight. I'm just very proud of everyone and all the fans who supported us tonight. We have a big match coming up on Wednesday (Spet. 28) versus Loras. A shout out to everybody who played today, especially to Martinez who was very consistent. Albino closed her match in two sets, but everybody derserves a shout out because this was a very good win."
The Spartans will travel across town to face the Loras College Duhawks on Sept. 28 in a make-up from earlier this season when they were rained out. UD trails the Duhawks 3-17 in all-time series. The Spartans improved to 4-3 overall and 3-2 in the IIAC.
