May 3, 2008

Box Score

FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Johns Hopkins women's tennis team won 2-of-3 doubles matches and the first three singles matches to knock off The College of New Jersey, 5-1, in the second round of the NCAA Division III Women's Tennis Championships at the University of Mary Washington Saturday afternoon. The Blue Jays, who are ranked 21st in the nation, improve to 17-3 overall and will make their first-ever appearance in the Sweet 16 on Sunday when they take on host Mary Washington.

The Blue Jays eased to wins at first and second doubles to grab the 2-1 lead. Anita Bhamidipati and Brittany Matava defeated Amanda Berg and Christina Contrafatto, 8-4, at first doubles and Abby Dwyer and Amanda Schubert posted an 8-3 victory over Sarah Roser and Tamra Wroblesky at second doubles to give the Blue Jays the early advantage. Yasmine Elamir and Ellen Berlinghof dropped a hard-fought 8-6 decision to Stefanie Haar and Haley Kutner at third doubles for what would prove to be TCNJ's only win in the match.

Bhamidipati, Matava and Elamir all made quick work of their opponents in singles to give the Blue Jays the 5-1 win as each won in straight sets. Bhamidipati, who will play in the NCAA Singles Championships later this month, knocked off Contrafatto, 6-2, 6-2 at first singles and Matava slipped past Berg, 6-3, 6-1 in the number two spot. Elamir completed the sweep of the top three spots in singles play as she defeated Harr, 6-3, 6-3 to give the Blue Jays the win.

Mary Washington defeated Methodist, 5-1, earlier Saturday to advance to the Sweet 16. The Eagles are currently ranked seventh in the nation and will carry a 22-3 record into Sunday's match against Johns Hopkins. Johns Hopkins and Mary Washington met earlier this season with the Eagles taking a 6-3 decision. Mary Washington has won 11 straight matches, while the Blue Jays have won four straight since the loss to the Eagles on April 21.

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