Rice University
Houston
Owls Blank Houston to Advance to C-USA Semifinals
4/17/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
April 17, 2009
Julie Chao and Rebecka Hänle combined to lose just one combined game in singles to lead the Rice Owls to a 4-0 win over fourth-seeded Houston and advance to the semifinals of the 14th Conference USA Women's Tennis Championships at the Jake Hess Tennis Stadium on Friday.
"I was very pleased with the dominating performance today," Rice head coach Elizabeth Schmidt said. "The team played aggressively from the very first point and did not let up until we had secured the victory. We are excited about another opportunity to play SMU tomorrow and are looking forward to the challenge."
With the win, the Owls have advance to the to the semifinal round in conference tournament play for the seventh consecutive year.
Rice (13-11) jumped out fast, taking the doubles point with 8-2 wins at both No.2 and No. 3, and continued that momentum in singles as Hänle race to a 6-0. 6-0 win at No. 2. Hänle has lost just one game in her first two matches in the tournament.
Chao provided the Owls third point of the day, taking the No. 1 singles, 6-1, 6-1 and freshman Alex Rasch delivered the clinching point for the second consecutive day, winning at No. 6, 6-2, 6-1.
The Owls will meet SMU at noon on Saturday at Jake Hess Tennis Stadium (weather permitting). If weather dictates, the semifinal matches will be moved indoors to the Galleria Athletic & Tennis Club.
Singles competition
1. Julie Chao (RICE) def. Lucy Forward (HOU) 6-1, 6-1
2. Rebekka Hänle (RICE) def. Lynley Wasson (HOU) 6-0, 6-0
3. Laura Ring (HOU) vs. Ana Guzman (RICE) 1-6, 3-4, unfinished
4. Joanna Kacprzyk (HOU) vs. Jessica Jackson (RICE) 6-2, 3-1, unfinished
5. Vicky Simpson (HOU) vs. Rebecca Lin (RICE) 7-5, 1-1, unfinished
6. Alex Rasch (RICE) def. Neila Starratt (HOU) 6-2, 6-1
Doubles competition
1. Julie Chao/Ana Guzman (RICE) def. Lucy Forward/Vicky Simpson (HOU) 5-4unfinished
2. Jessica Jackson/Rebecca Lin (RICE) def. Laura Ring/Jordan McCombs (HOU) 8-2
3. Rebekka Hänle /Alex Rasch (RICE) def. Lynley Wasson/Joanna Kacprzyk (HOU) 8-3
Players Mentioned
