Women's Tennis News
April 21, 2008
Lady 'Dawgs Take TranSouth Conference Title
The No. 1 seed Lady Bulldogs continued their remarkable season last week, topping both Lambuth University and Bethel College to win the TranSouth Conference Tournament Championships.
Now ranked No. 12 in the nation with a 20-1 overall record, the team will shift its focus toward the Region XI Tennis Championships. The regional tournament will be held at Vanderbilt University on April 24-25, and the Lady Bulldogs will once again face Bethel College in the first round.
The success this season, CU Head Tennis Coach Bill Riddle said, is due in part to the amazing performance of each of the seven players, "contributing week-in and week-out." Several of the Lady 'Dawgs continue to be ranked among the nation's best in the ITA National Singles and Doubles rankings. Currently, CU has four of their seven players ranked in the nation's top 50:
Lady 'Dawgs Take TranSouth Conference Title
The No. 1 seed Lady Bulldogs continued their remarkable season last week, topping both Lambuth University and Bethel College to win the TranSouth Conference Tournament Championships.
Now ranked No. 12 in the nation with a 20-1 overall record, the team will shift its focus toward the Region XI Tennis Championships. The regional tournament will be held at Vanderbilt University on April 24-25, and the Lady Bulldogs will once again face Bethel College in the first round.
The success this season, CU Head Tennis Coach Bill Riddle said, is due in part to the amazing performance of each of the seven players, "contributing week-in and week-out." Several of the Lady 'Dawgs continue to be ranked among the nation's best in the ITA National Singles and Doubles rankings. Currently, CU has four of their seven players ranked in the nation's top 50:
- Natasha Yakomovich - #11 Singles
- Beatriz Mompo - #35 Singles
- Natasha Yakomovich and Beatriz Mompo - #16 Doubles
- Emily Jacobs and Kristen Goodman - #22 Doubles
April 16, 2008
CU Tennis Players, Coach Earn Numerous Conference Awards
NASHVILLE -- Wednesday proved to be a great night for many of the Cumberland University Men's and Women's Tennis players as eight players were selected to the TranSouth's First Team All-Conference. In addition, nine players were selected to the Second Team All-Conference.
Rounding out the night, CU Head Tennis Coach Bill Riddle was named the TranSouth Conference Women's Tennis Coach of the Year.
Both the men's and women's teams will see action in the first round of the TranSouth Conference Tournament on Thursday at the Vanderbilt University Tennis Center. The men face off against rival Martin Methodist College at noon, followed by the women at 3 p.m. As the No. 1 seed, the Lady 'Dawgs will await the winner of the Lambuth University vs. Lyon College tennis match.
Congratulations to the following players and coaches:
Bill Riddle - TranSouth Conference Women's Coach of the Year
First Team All-Conference Player selections from Cumberland University
WOMEN:
Natasha Yakomovich - #1 Singles
Beatriz Mompo - #2 Singles
Natasha Yakomovich and Beatriz Mompo - #1 Doubles
Rahab Mbuga and Amber Johnson - #3 Doubles
MEN:
Edgar Galea and Roman Shkurupiy - #1 Doubles
Slava Glebov and Shayan Mirhosseini - #3 Doubles
Second Team All-Conference Player selections from Cumberland University
WOMEN:
Emily Jacobs - #4 Singles
Danielle Madson - #5 Singles
Kristen Goodman - #6 Singles
Emily Jacobs and Kristen Goodman - #2 Doubles
MEN:
Shayan Mirhosseini - #2 Singles
Slava Glebov - #3 Singles
Edgar Galea - #4 Singles
Mike Basler - #5 Singles
Sebastian Jonsson - #6 Singles
Mike Basler and Roger Pathanak - #2 Doubles
CU Tennis Players, Coach Earn Numerous Conference Awards
NASHVILLE -- Wednesday proved to be a great night for many of the Cumberland University Men's and Women's Tennis players as eight players were selected to the TranSouth's First Team All-Conference. In addition, nine players were selected to the Second Team All-Conference.
Rounding out the night, CU Head Tennis Coach Bill Riddle was named the TranSouth Conference Women's Tennis Coach of the Year.
Both the men's and women's teams will see action in the first round of the TranSouth Conference Tournament on Thursday at the Vanderbilt University Tennis Center. The men face off against rival Martin Methodist College at noon, followed by the women at 3 p.m. As the No. 1 seed, the Lady 'Dawgs will await the winner of the Lambuth University vs. Lyon College tennis match.
Congratulations to the following players and coaches:
Bill Riddle - TranSouth Conference Women's Coach of the Year
First Team All-Conference Player selections from Cumberland University
WOMEN:
Natasha Yakomovich - #1 Singles
Beatriz Mompo - #2 Singles
Natasha Yakomovich and Beatriz Mompo - #1 Doubles
Rahab Mbuga and Amber Johnson - #3 Doubles
MEN:
Edgar Galea and Roman Shkurupiy - #1 Doubles
Slava Glebov and Shayan Mirhosseini - #3 Doubles
Second Team All-Conference Player selections from Cumberland University
WOMEN:
Emily Jacobs - #4 Singles
Danielle Madson - #5 Singles
Kristen Goodman - #6 Singles
Emily Jacobs and Kristen Goodman - #2 Doubles
MEN:
Shayan Mirhosseini - #2 Singles
Slava Glebov - #3 Singles
Edgar Galea - #4 Singles
Mike Basler - #5 Singles
Sebastian Jonsson - #6 Singles
Mike Basler and Roger Pathanak - #2 Doubles
Rahab Mbuga
April 14, 2008
Cumberland's Rahab Mbuga Named TranSouth Women's Player of the Month
Cumberland University freshman Rahab Mbuga has been named TranSouth Athletic Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Month for the month ending April 13, 2008.
Mbuga, from Kenya, was 8-0 in singles and 9-0 in doubles. She plays No. 3 doubles and three through six in singles. She helped the Lady 'Dawgs to an 11-0 record during the selection period. Cumberland had wins over NCAA D-I Western Kentucky, Alabama A&M University, The University of Alabama - Huntsville and, this past weekend, over No. 11-ranked Bethel College. Mbuga is 17-0 in singles on the season and 17-2 in doubles.
The Lady 'Dawgs are 18-1 on the season, the TranSouth Conference regular-season champions and are currently receiving votes in the lastest NAIA poll.
Cumberland's Rahab Mbuga Named TranSouth Women's Player of the Month
Cumberland University freshman Rahab Mbuga has been named TranSouth Athletic Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Month for the month ending April 13, 2008.
Mbuga, from Kenya, was 8-0 in singles and 9-0 in doubles. She plays No. 3 doubles and three through six in singles. She helped the Lady 'Dawgs to an 11-0 record during the selection period. Cumberland had wins over NCAA D-I Western Kentucky, Alabama A&M University, The University of Alabama - Huntsville and, this past weekend, over No. 11-ranked Bethel College. Mbuga is 17-0 in singles on the season and 17-2 in doubles.
The Lady 'Dawgs are 18-1 on the season, the TranSouth Conference regular-season champions and are currently receiving votes in the lastest NAIA poll.
April 14, 2008
Lady 'Dawgs Top No. 11 Bethel College for 2008 TranSouth Conference Title
The Lady 'Dawgs battled the elements and their nationally ranked opponents on Saturday afternoon in McKenzie, Tenn. for the TranSouth Conference tennis title match. Cumberland has spent the entire season winning matches and trying to gain the respect it deserves from the national ranking committee. Hopefully, on Saturday, they got that respect via a big win on the road at No. 11-ranked Bethel College.
With the weather a definite factor on both sides of the net, the ladies slugged it out with the conference title on the line. Cumberland got a huge boost when they won two of the three doubles matches to take a 2-1 lead. Natasha Yakomovich and Beatriz Mompo, who are ranked No. 17 in doubles and undefeated on the season, led the way with a huge 8-2 win. Rahab Mbuga, of Kenya, and Franklin native Amber Johnson, at the No. 3 spot, topped their opponents 8-2 as well.
"We had to win two of the doubles matches to give ourselves a chance to win overall, and the girls played really well," CU Assistant Coach Luiz Miranda said.
As the singles matches took the courts, the winds began to subside and the sun broke through for some much-needed warmth. Bethel evened the match with a quick win at No. 3 singles as Danielle Madson of Mt. Juliet was overcome by Karen Martinez in a match that was much closer than the final score indicated. Cumberland answered with a win at No. 2 by Beatriz Mompo (6-4, 6-3) over Carolina Bello. Bethel came back to even the match at 3-3 when Emily Jacobs of Lebanon went down in a hard-fought match (3-6, 5-7).
During this time, over on court one, Cumberland's Natasha Yakomovich was in a heated battle entering its third set. Yakomovich finished her match with a 4-6 loss in the third as freshman Rahab Mbuga wrapped up her win to once again tie the overall score between the Lady 'Dawgs and the Lady Wildcats at 4-4. All eyes turned to court six as freshman and former Centennial High standout Amber Johnson sealed the deal for the Lady 'Dawgs (6-3, 6-2).
"The team has worked so hard all season and played well together and just could not be happier for the team and the school," CU Head Coach Bill Riddle said.
Cumberland finishes the regular season as the TranSouth Conference Champions with a perfect conference record and an 18-1 overall record. CU returns to action on Thursday, April 17 at 3 p.m. in the TranSouth Conference Tournament, which will be held at the Vanderbilt University Tennis Center. The tournament is open to the public, and the tournament finals are scheduled for Friday, April 18.
Lady 'Dawgs Top No. 11 Bethel College for 2008 TranSouth Conference Title
The Lady 'Dawgs battled the elements and their nationally ranked opponents on Saturday afternoon in McKenzie, Tenn. for the TranSouth Conference tennis title match. Cumberland has spent the entire season winning matches and trying to gain the respect it deserves from the national ranking committee. Hopefully, on Saturday, they got that respect via a big win on the road at No. 11-ranked Bethel College.
With the weather a definite factor on both sides of the net, the ladies slugged it out with the conference title on the line. Cumberland got a huge boost when they won two of the three doubles matches to take a 2-1 lead. Natasha Yakomovich and Beatriz Mompo, who are ranked No. 17 in doubles and undefeated on the season, led the way with a huge 8-2 win. Rahab Mbuga, of Kenya, and Franklin native Amber Johnson, at the No. 3 spot, topped their opponents 8-2 as well.
"We had to win two of the doubles matches to give ourselves a chance to win overall, and the girls played really well," CU Assistant Coach Luiz Miranda said.
As the singles matches took the courts, the winds began to subside and the sun broke through for some much-needed warmth. Bethel evened the match with a quick win at No. 3 singles as Danielle Madson of Mt. Juliet was overcome by Karen Martinez in a match that was much closer than the final score indicated. Cumberland answered with a win at No. 2 by Beatriz Mompo (6-4, 6-3) over Carolina Bello. Bethel came back to even the match at 3-3 when Emily Jacobs of Lebanon went down in a hard-fought match (3-6, 5-7).
During this time, over on court one, Cumberland's Natasha Yakomovich was in a heated battle entering its third set. Yakomovich finished her match with a 4-6 loss in the third as freshman Rahab Mbuga wrapped up her win to once again tie the overall score between the Lady 'Dawgs and the Lady Wildcats at 4-4. All eyes turned to court six as freshman and former Centennial High standout Amber Johnson sealed the deal for the Lady 'Dawgs (6-3, 6-2).
"The team has worked so hard all season and played well together and just could not be happier for the team and the school," CU Head Coach Bill Riddle said.
Cumberland finishes the regular season as the TranSouth Conference Champions with a perfect conference record and an 18-1 overall record. CU returns to action on Thursday, April 17 at 3 p.m. in the TranSouth Conference Tournament, which will be held at the Vanderbilt University Tennis Center. The tournament is open to the public, and the tournament finals are scheduled for Friday, April 18.
From left to right: Coach Bill Riddle, Roman Shkurupiy, Felipe Novello, Kristen Goodman, Edgar Galea, Shayan Mirhosseini and Athletic Director Pat Lawson
April 8, 2008
CU Tops Rival Martin Methodist on Senior Day
Monday, April 7 was "Senior Day" for the Cumberland University tennis teams, and the seniors went out on top by blowing out conference rival Martin Methodist College. Following the lead of other teams on campus, the CU tennis teams brought back "Senior Day" in an effort to honor the five graduating senior tennis players.
The day started off with a special presentation by CU Athletic Director Pat Lawson to each of the seniors. Four men -- Roman Shkurupiy (Russia), Felipe Novello (Brazil), Edgar Galea (Venezuela) and Shayan Mirhosseini (Canada) -- joined the lone senior women's team member, Kristen Goodman of Murfreesboro, for this special day.
Both the men's and women's teams showed why they are nationally ranked by defeating Martin Methodist, 8-1. The wins brought the men to 16-2 overall and the women to 16-1 overall. The men's and women's teams are ranked No. 21 and No. 26 in the nation, respectively.
CU Tops Rival Martin Methodist on Senior Day
Monday, April 7 was "Senior Day" for the Cumberland University tennis teams, and the seniors went out on top by blowing out conference rival Martin Methodist College. Following the lead of other teams on campus, the CU tennis teams brought back "Senior Day" in an effort to honor the five graduating senior tennis players.
The day started off with a special presentation by CU Athletic Director Pat Lawson to each of the seniors. Four men -- Roman Shkurupiy (Russia), Felipe Novello (Brazil), Edgar Galea (Venezuela) and Shayan Mirhosseini (Canada) -- joined the lone senior women's team member, Kristen Goodman of Murfreesboro, for this special day.
Both the men's and women's teams showed why they are nationally ranked by defeating Martin Methodist, 8-1. The wins brought the men to 16-2 overall and the women to 16-1 overall. The men's and women's teams are ranked No. 21 and No. 26 in the nation, respectively.
April 7, 2008
CU Women Receive ITA National Tennis Rankings
Two local players among best in nation
The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) recently released the first of three national singles and doubles rankings and four of the Lady Bulldogs were among the list of top players.
The list of Cumberland players was led by Natasha Yakomovich, of Belerus, who is ranked No. 17 in the national singles rankings. The recent transfer to Cumberland has compiled an impressive 11-1 singles record and an even more impressive 16-0 doubles record with Spanish standout and sophomore Beatriz Mompo. Yakomovich and Mompo are currently ranked No. 19 in the national doubles rankings.
Local players Emily Jacobs, of Lebanon, and senior Kristin Goodman, of Murfreesboro, are currently ranked as the No. 24 doubles team in the nation. With an 8-2 record and the No. 2 doubles position for Cumberland, the tandem of Jacobs and Goodman is one of the reasons the Lady 'Dawgs are 15-1 overall and ranked No. 26 as a team on the season.
"It is always exciting for our players to be recognized for all of their hard work with a national singles or doubles ranking, and it shows the top-level tennis we have at Cumberland," CU Head Tennis Coach Bill Riddle said.
The ITA ranks the top 50 singles players and top 25 doubles teams over the course of the spring tennis season each year. The second ranking period concludes on April 14, and CU looks to continue this impressive showing.
CU Women Receive ITA National Tennis Rankings
Two local players among best in nation
The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) recently released the first of three national singles and doubles rankings and four of the Lady Bulldogs were among the list of top players.
The list of Cumberland players was led by Natasha Yakomovich, of Belerus, who is ranked No. 17 in the national singles rankings. The recent transfer to Cumberland has compiled an impressive 11-1 singles record and an even more impressive 16-0 doubles record with Spanish standout and sophomore Beatriz Mompo. Yakomovich and Mompo are currently ranked No. 19 in the national doubles rankings.
Local players Emily Jacobs, of Lebanon, and senior Kristin Goodman, of Murfreesboro, are currently ranked as the No. 24 doubles team in the nation. With an 8-2 record and the No. 2 doubles position for Cumberland, the tandem of Jacobs and Goodman is one of the reasons the Lady 'Dawgs are 15-1 overall and ranked No. 26 as a team on the season.
"It is always exciting for our players to be recognized for all of their hard work with a national singles or doubles ranking, and it shows the top-level tennis we have at Cumberland," CU Head Tennis Coach Bill Riddle said.
The ITA ranks the top 50 singles players and top 25 doubles teams over the course of the spring tennis season each year. The second ranking period concludes on April 14, and CU looks to continue this impressive showing.
Amber Johnson
February 26, 2008
Cumberland's Johnson named TranSouth Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Month
Franklin native and Cumberland University freshman tennis player Amber Johnson was recently named the TranSouth Conference Women's Player of the Month for January 2008. Johnson, whose father Jackie is a local tennis teaching pro at Maryland Farms YMCA, has made her presence known in the Lady Dawgs' lineup this spring.
Compiling a very impressive 4-0 singles record and 3-1 doubles record, Johnson has been a driving force to the CU women's solid start to the spring tennis season and their No. 26 national ranking.
"She is working hard, and I am very proud of how Amber has started the spring season. I think this is just the beginning for her," said CU Head Tennis Coach Bill Riddle.
Johnson typically plays in the number five and six singles position and clinched her biggest win at Western Kentucky when she gave the Lady Dawgs a 4-3 decision over the Hilltoppers in her first-ever collegiate match.
This marks the second straight year that a freshman from the CU Lady Dawgs Tennis Team has been named TranSouth Conference Player of the Month for January. In January 2007, Lebanon native Emily Jacobs was selected for the same honor. The women are currently 4-1 overall and have had two consecutive matches postponed due to weather. The team heads to Alabama-Huntsville on Friday, Feb. 29 for their next match.
Cumberland's Johnson named TranSouth Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Month
Franklin native and Cumberland University freshman tennis player Amber Johnson was recently named the TranSouth Conference Women's Player of the Month for January 2008. Johnson, whose father Jackie is a local tennis teaching pro at Maryland Farms YMCA, has made her presence known in the Lady Dawgs' lineup this spring.
Compiling a very impressive 4-0 singles record and 3-1 doubles record, Johnson has been a driving force to the CU women's solid start to the spring tennis season and their No. 26 national ranking.
"She is working hard, and I am very proud of how Amber has started the spring season. I think this is just the beginning for her," said CU Head Tennis Coach Bill Riddle.
Johnson typically plays in the number five and six singles position and clinched her biggest win at Western Kentucky when she gave the Lady Dawgs a 4-3 decision over the Hilltoppers in her first-ever collegiate match.
This marks the second straight year that a freshman from the CU Lady Dawgs Tennis Team has been named TranSouth Conference Player of the Month for January. In January 2007, Lebanon native Emily Jacobs was selected for the same honor. The women are currently 4-1 overall and have had two consecutive matches postponed due to weather. The team heads to Alabama-Huntsville on Friday, Feb. 29 for their next match.
February 20, 2008
CU Head Tennis Coach Bill Riddle Named 2008 PTR Tennessee Pro of the Year
Hilton Head, S.C. -- Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) presented its annual awards this week during the 2008 PTR International Tennis Symposium. The event, which includes 60-plus on-court and classroom presentations, a tennis trade show and $25,000 Championships, is being held Feb. 16-21 at Van der Meer Shipyard Racquet Club on Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Cumberland University Head Tennis Coach Bill Riddle, of Nashville, was named PTR Pro of the Year for the state. PTR selects one member who has displayed the utmost in professionalism on and off the tennis court to be honored as State Member of the Year. Honorees are active in tennis in their communities and show dedication and service to PTR. Not all states have an honoree.
PTR is the largest global organization of tennis teaching professionals with 13,000 members in 126 countries. It has the greatest percentage of multicultural and women members of any such organization. PTR is dedicated to educating, certifying and serving tennis teachers and coaches around the world in order to grow the game.
CU Head Tennis Coach Bill Riddle Named 2008 PTR Tennessee Pro of the Year
Hilton Head, S.C. -- Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) presented its annual awards this week during the 2008 PTR International Tennis Symposium. The event, which includes 60-plus on-court and classroom presentations, a tennis trade show and $25,000 Championships, is being held Feb. 16-21 at Van der Meer Shipyard Racquet Club on Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Cumberland University Head Tennis Coach Bill Riddle, of Nashville, was named PTR Pro of the Year for the state. PTR selects one member who has displayed the utmost in professionalism on and off the tennis court to be honored as State Member of the Year. Honorees are active in tennis in their communities and show dedication and service to PTR. Not all states have an honoree.
PTR is the largest global organization of tennis teaching professionals with 13,000 members in 126 countries. It has the greatest percentage of multicultural and women members of any such organization. PTR is dedicated to educating, certifying and serving tennis teachers and coaches around the world in order to grow the game.
Emily Jacobs
February 4, 2008
Lady Bulldogs Outlast the Lady Govs and Knock Off Another D-I Team, 4-3
The Cumberland University Lady Bulldogs tennis team found a way to outlast another Division I school on Monday night in Clarksville. Coming off a very impressive 9-0 blank of the Tennessee Wesleyan Lady Bulldogs on Saturday, CU found a way to come from behind to beat the Lady Govs on the road.
After an impressive win at No. 3 doubles by Amber Johnson and Rahab Mbuga, the No. 1 team of Natasha Yakomovich and Beatriz Mompo found a way to come back from 6-3 down to win 9-8 and secure the lone doubles point. After a short break once doubles was complete, the Lady 'Dawgs found themselves behind quickly on courts 1, 2 and 3 and looked to be in trouble, but the match was far from being decided.
"We just looked flat early in our singles matches, but the girls kept fighting and gave us some life late to build on," said CU Tennis Coach Bill Riddle.
Despite a great effort and comeback to make it close at No. 1 singles by transfer Natasha Yakomovic and a three-setter at No. 2 singles, the Lady 'Dawgs fell behind 1-3 with losses at No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 singles.
"At this point, we were looking at a huge uphill climb," Riddle added.
With sophomore and Lebanon native Emily Jacobs in the middle of a battle on the No. 4 court, freshmen Amber Johnson and Rahab Mbuga took to the courts to try and pull out a win. Both Johnson and the newest addition to the Lady 'Dawgs team, Rahab Mbuga, hammered through their opponents as Jacobs mounted an impressive third set stand to win the match.
The Lady 'Dawgs find themselves now 3-0 with two big wins over area Division I teams. CU will take to the courts this weekend with a home indoor match at Nashboro Village on Saturday at 3 p.m. With the first national NAIA team rankings set to come out on Feb. 6, the women have set themselves up to start the season among the nation's top 25 once again.
Lady Bulldogs Outlast the Lady Govs and Knock Off Another D-I Team, 4-3
The Cumberland University Lady Bulldogs tennis team found a way to outlast another Division I school on Monday night in Clarksville. Coming off a very impressive 9-0 blank of the Tennessee Wesleyan Lady Bulldogs on Saturday, CU found a way to come from behind to beat the Lady Govs on the road.
After an impressive win at No. 3 doubles by Amber Johnson and Rahab Mbuga, the No. 1 team of Natasha Yakomovich and Beatriz Mompo found a way to come back from 6-3 down to win 9-8 and secure the lone doubles point. After a short break once doubles was complete, the Lady 'Dawgs found themselves behind quickly on courts 1, 2 and 3 and looked to be in trouble, but the match was far from being decided.
"We just looked flat early in our singles matches, but the girls kept fighting and gave us some life late to build on," said CU Tennis Coach Bill Riddle.
Despite a great effort and comeback to make it close at No. 1 singles by transfer Natasha Yakomovic and a three-setter at No. 2 singles, the Lady 'Dawgs fell behind 1-3 with losses at No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 singles.
"At this point, we were looking at a huge uphill climb," Riddle added.
With sophomore and Lebanon native Emily Jacobs in the middle of a battle on the No. 4 court, freshmen Amber Johnson and Rahab Mbuga took to the courts to try and pull out a win. Both Johnson and the newest addition to the Lady 'Dawgs team, Rahab Mbuga, hammered through their opponents as Jacobs mounted an impressive third set stand to win the match.
The Lady 'Dawgs find themselves now 3-0 with two big wins over area Division I teams. CU will take to the courts this weekend with a home indoor match at Nashboro Village on Saturday at 3 p.m. With the first national NAIA team rankings set to come out on Feb. 6, the women have set themselves up to start the season among the nation's top 25 once again.
Amber Johnson
January 27, 2008
Lady 'Dawgs Win on the Road at Western Kentucky, 4-3
Despite the cold weather, the spring college tennis season got underway for the Cumberland University Lady Bulldogs as they opened their 2008 season on the road and indoors at Western Kentucky University. The Lady 'Dawgs finished last season ranked No. 22 in the nation and have added three new faces to this spring's line-up, looking to improve on their previous successes.
CU started the day strong, taking the lone singles point by winning two of the three doubles matches. Natasha Yakomovic and Beatriz Mompo won at the No. 1 spot, 8-3, while Kristin Goodman and Emily Jacobs topped their opponents with an 8-6 win at No. 2. Despite starting slowly, fighting hard and holding one match point, the freshman duo of Rahab Mbuga and Amber Johnson finished down the Lady Hilltoppers, 9-7, at the No. 3 doubles position.
Entering the singles competition up 1-0 gave the Lady 'Dawgs some needed confidence and Yakomovich quickly won her match at No. 1 singles to give CU a 2-0 lead. Showing some strength and fight, Western Kentucky then took a 3-2 lead by winning the singles matches at the No. 2, 3 and 4 positions.
"We were in a really tough position at that point, down 3-2 and having the match in the hands of two freshmen players playing in their first-ever college duel match," said CU Head Coach Bill Riddle.
Freshman Rahab Mbuga, from Kenya, showed outstanding poise as she dispatched her opponent, 6-3, 6-1, tying the match at 3-3. Local standout and Franklin native Amber Johnson added some drama to this first match of the season by splitting sets and then sealing victory for the Lady 'Dawgs in the third set, 6-2.
"I could not be more proud of our ladies, and Amber especially, for staying positive and focused as she found a way to win the deciding match on the road against a good Division I team like Western," Riddle added.
Cumberland returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 2 when they play host to NAIA foe Tennessee Wesleyan University. The match will be played indoors at the Nashboro Village Athletic Club with a 3 p.m. start time. Admission is free, so make plans to come out and support CU Tennis.
Lady 'Dawgs Win on the Road at Western Kentucky, 4-3
Despite the cold weather, the spring college tennis season got underway for the Cumberland University Lady Bulldogs as they opened their 2008 season on the road and indoors at Western Kentucky University. The Lady 'Dawgs finished last season ranked No. 22 in the nation and have added three new faces to this spring's line-up, looking to improve on their previous successes.
CU started the day strong, taking the lone singles point by winning two of the three doubles matches. Natasha Yakomovic and Beatriz Mompo won at the No. 1 spot, 8-3, while Kristin Goodman and Emily Jacobs topped their opponents with an 8-6 win at No. 2. Despite starting slowly, fighting hard and holding one match point, the freshman duo of Rahab Mbuga and Amber Johnson finished down the Lady Hilltoppers, 9-7, at the No. 3 doubles position.
Entering the singles competition up 1-0 gave the Lady 'Dawgs some needed confidence and Yakomovich quickly won her match at No. 1 singles to give CU a 2-0 lead. Showing some strength and fight, Western Kentucky then took a 3-2 lead by winning the singles matches at the No. 2, 3 and 4 positions.
"We were in a really tough position at that point, down 3-2 and having the match in the hands of two freshmen players playing in their first-ever college duel match," said CU Head Coach Bill Riddle.
Freshman Rahab Mbuga, from Kenya, showed outstanding poise as she dispatched her opponent, 6-3, 6-1, tying the match at 3-3. Local standout and Franklin native Amber Johnson added some drama to this first match of the season by splitting sets and then sealing victory for the Lady 'Dawgs in the third set, 6-2.
"I could not be more proud of our ladies, and Amber especially, for staying positive and focused as she found a way to win the deciding match on the road against a good Division I team like Western," Riddle added.
Cumberland returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 2 when they play host to NAIA foe Tennessee Wesleyan University. The match will be played indoors at the Nashboro Village Athletic Club with a 3 p.m. start time. Admission is free, so make plans to come out and support CU Tennis.
