Saturday, September 19, 2009

ASHEVILLE, N.C.  (Sept. 19, 2009) - Led by junior Tara Sheets' (Gate City, Va.) three victories the ETSU women's tennis team had a superior opening day at the first annual UNC Asheville Fall Classic inside the Crown Plaza Tennis Center in Asheville, N.C.

After the 25th annual ETSU Fall Classic was cancelled this weekend the Lady Bucs picked up five wins Saturday.

The Lady Buc doubles team of Sheets and junior Diana Navrotskaya (Lviv, Ukraine) picked up two wins on the day. First the ETSU duo dropped UNC Asheville's team of Devon Cavanaugh/Sarah Brinkley 8-4, before continuing their dominance after making quick work of Asheville's Leslie Smith and Stephanie Schon, 8-6.

After both their wins in team action, Navrotska and Sheets continued their hot play in singles competition picking up their third triumph of the day.

Navrotska earned her head-to-head win over Asheville senior Louise Bottomley, 6-4, 6-1, while Sheets had a strong three-set comeback defeating Brinkley 6-4, 4-6, 11-9.

"Overall, I was proud of the girls today," said head coach Steve Brooks. "I know we still have some work to do, but Tara is unbeaten this fall in doubles and I thought Diana responded with some great play today."

Also in action for ETSU were sophomore Jessica Ratliff (Bristol, Tenn.) and freshman Kelby Marston (Erwin, Tenn.), who dropped a pair of contests.

The Lady Bucs contiune with final day action of the UNC Asheville Fall Classic, Sunday.

For more information on the championship Lady Bucs please visit www.ETSUBucs.com