Falcons Down Eastern Washington, 5-2

Jan. 16, 2009

The Air Force women's tennis team captured its first victory of the 2009 spring season Friday with a 5-2 triumph over Eastern Washington in Pullman, Wash. The Falcons evened its record at 1-1, while the Eagles fell to 0-1 in their season opener.

Eastern Washington took an early 1-0 lead by winning at Nos. 2 and 3 doubles. Air Force senior Christine Abayan and junior Erlyn Rudico captured the Falcons' lone doubles win at the No. 1 spot, 9-7, over Marie Demerath and Caitlin Bampton.

The Falcons responded by winning five of the six singles matches, including and impressive, 6-4, 6-4, victory by Abayan over Demerath at the top spot. Sophomore Christen Monreal defeated Rachel Berger at No. 3, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, while freshman Tahlia Smoke won at No. 4, 6-4, 6-4, over Kelsey Knight.

Sophomores Sarah Cassman and Katrina Eromin each improved to 2-0 win wins at No 5 and 6, respectively. Cassman posted a 6-3, 6-2 decision over Bampton, while Eromin won, 6-0, 6-3, over Juoy Liening.

"This was a hard-fought match for us," said Air Force head coach Kim Gidley. "In doubles I was especially pleased with Erlyn Rudico serving out the match to win a close 8-6 match. Christine Abayan continued her high energy into singles play to win in straight sets at No.1 singles, providing us the type of leadership we were expecting from our upperclassmen."

The Falcons continue play on Saturday, Jan. 17 against Washington State at 10 a.m.

Air Force 5, Eastern Washington 2
Jan. 16, 2009 at Pullman, Wash.

Singles:
1. Christine Abayan (AF) def. Marie Demerath, 6-4, 6-4
2. Amanda Mankovits (EW) def. Allie Chermel, 6-3, 6-1
3. Christen Monreal (AF) def. Rachel Berger, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4
4. Tahlia Smoke (AF) def. Kelsey Knight, 6-4, 6-4
5. Sarah Cassman (AF) def. Caitlin Bampton, 6-3, 6-2
6. Katrina Eromin (AF) def. Juoy Liening, 6-0, 6-3

Doubles:
1. Abayan/Erlyn Rudico (AF) def. Demerath/Bampton, 9-7
2. Knight/Mankovits (EW) def. Chermel/Smoke, 8-3
3. Liening/Berger (EW) def. Monreal/Cassman, 9-7

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Players Mentioned

Christine Abayan

Sarah Cassman

Allie Chermel

Katrina Eromin

Christen Monreal

Erlyn Rudico

Tahlia Smoke

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