BOISE, Idaho - A busy weekend for the University of Idaho Women's Tennis team finished on a high note as it earned qualification to the WAC conference tournament later this month.
The Vandals upended Louisiana Tech 6-1 on Sunday and Utah State 7-0 on Friday. Idaho could not find away past No. 44 Boise State in its first Friday match falling 5-2.
"I was happy with our effort in both matches on Friday," Women's Tennis Head Coach Tyler Neill said. "Boise State is probably the toughest team we have faced this year and we competed hard against them."
Idaho received strong play from the Gabriela Niculescu and Maria Perevoshchikova at the top of the lineup. Both went unbeaten in singles play and Niculescu upset nationally ranked Pichittra Thongdach of BSU 6-1, 6-1.
"Gabi had a big win at #1 singles," Neill said. "She was very focused and was able to handle everything her opponent threw at her. Maria also played very well. She clawed her way through a tough first set and then rode her momentum in the second."
Idaho responded well on Friday to defeat Utah State. Silvia Irimescu won a marathon three-set match 4-6, 6-1, 12-10.
"I thought we played pretty good against Utah State," Neill said. "They are a solid team throughout the lineup. Silvia had a very nice win at #3. She played one of her better matches of the year today. If we can keep playing like we did today, we should do well in the conference tournament and end our season on a high note."
Idaho went in to Sunday's match knowing a win would clinch the team a spot in the conference tournament. The Vandals came out strong and never looked back sealing their spot in Fresno.
"We played very well against Louisiana Tech," Neill said. "I feel like we got up early in most of the matches and it kind of took LA Tech out of the match. It is nice to get this win and clinch a spot in the conference tournament."
The Vandals will now travel to San Jose on Thursday to play San Jose State. The teams first meet on April 2 but the match was rained out.
University of Idaho vs. Boise State University
April 16, 2010 - Boise, ID
Doubles
1. Megale/Thongdach (BSU) def. Niculescu/Perevoshchikova (UI) - 8-5
2. Jasper/Pietzuch (BSU) def. Ly/Irimescu (UI) - 8-1
3. Edwards/Jochimsen (BSU) def. Maciocha/Ulesanu (UI) - 8-2
Singles
1. Gabriela Niculescu (UI) def. Pichittra Thongdach (BSU) - 6-1,6-1
2. Maria Perevoshchikova (UI) def. Lauren Megale (BSU) - 7-6,6-2
3. Bianca Jochimsen (BSU) def. Silvia Irimescu (UI) - 6-0,6-2
4. Stephanie Jasper (BSU) def. Alexandra Ulesanu (UI) - 6-1,6-1
5. Elyse Edwards (BSU) def. Barbara Maciocha (UI) - 6-4,3-6,10-4
6. Marlena Pietzuch (BSU) def. Natalie Kirch (UI) - 6-0,6-2
Final: University of Idaho 2 - Boise State University 5
University of Idaho vs. Utah State University
April 16, 2010 - Boise, ID
Doubles
1. Niculescu/Perevoshchikova (UI) def. Swenson/West (USU) - 9-8
2. Cohen/Ly (UI) def. Perry/Voytsekhovic (USU) - 8-4
3. Maciocha/Ulesanu (UI) def. Abella/Watts (USU) - 8-3
Singles
1. Gabriela Niculescu (UI) def. Hailey Swenson (USU) - 6-1,6-1
2. Maria Perevoshchikova (UI) def. Jaci West (USU) - 6-0,7-6
3. Silvia Irimescu (UI) def. Kristina Voytsekhovic (USU) - 4-6,6-1,12-10
4. Alexandra Ulesanu (UI) def. Monica Abella (USU) - 6-4,6-0
5. Barbara Maciocha (UI) def. Taylor Perry (USU) - 6-1,6-0
6. Yvette Ly (UI) def. Britney Watts (USU) - 4-6,7-6,10-5
Final: University of Idaho 7 - Utah State University 0
University of Idaho vs. Louisiana Tech University
April 18, 2010 - Boise, ID
Doubles
1. Niculescu/Perevoshchikova (UI) def. De Wit/ten Dolle (LT) - 8-1
2. Cohen/Ly (UI) def. Vichery/Juarez (LT) - 8-3
3. Maciocha/Ulesanu (UI) def. Erofeyeva/Rodriguez (LT) - 8-1
Singles
1. Gabriela Niculescu (UI) def. Vivian ten Dolle (LT) - 6-0,6-1
2. Maria Perevoshchikova (UI) def. Cecile Vichery (LT) - 6-1,6-2
3. Silvia Irimescu (UI) def. Alena Erofeyeva (LT) - 6-0,6-0
4. Alexandra Ulesanu (UI) def. Maartje De Wit (LT) - 6-1,6-0
5. Barbara Maciocha (UI) def. Laura Rodriguez (LT) - 6-0,4-0 ret.
6. Rocio Juarez (LT) def. Natalie Kirch (UI) - 6-2,3-6,10-4
Final: University of Idaho 6 - Louisiana Tech University 1
