The LSU women’s tennis team began its 2004 campaign with a successful weekend at the Michigan Invitational in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Led by senior Jessica Ferguson, the Lady Tigers won 5-of-6 singles matches against Georgia Tech, as well as a doubles victory by Ferguson and sophomore Marina Chiarelli over Eastern Michigan’s Amalia Lincaru and Jessica Loose.
The Lady Tigers began the tournament losing 5-of-7 singles matches to Michigan, as well as getting swept in the doubles matches by Georgia Tech. Chiarelli defeated Michigan’s Kavitha Tipirneni, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1. Ferguson also won her singles match, 7-6(4), 7-6(7).
Although the Lady Tigers got off to a slow start, coach Tony Minnis said he was not concerned.
“I was pleased with the way some of our girls competed today,” Minnis said. “This situation is perfect because we got to come in and compete against teams like Michigan and Georgia Tech and it helps us a lot.”
Minnis said he was especially pleased with Ferguson’s play.
“Jessica has really impressed me,” Minnis said. “She has picked up her game from last year and she’s playing really, really well this weekend.”
LSU bounced back on the second day, winning 5-of-6 singles matches against Eastern Michigan. Senior Rocio Fantilli overcame EMU’s Ying Kansuthi, 6-4, 6-3. Sophomores Camila Caliari and Lauren Seaman also won their singles matches, 6-4, 6-3 and 6-2, 6-1 respectively.
In the doubles matches, Ferguson and Chiarelli lost to No. 47 Michelle DeCosta and Leanne Rutherford of Michigan, 8-3. Fantilli and Seaman rank 34th in the nation in the doubles poll. The duo improved from a previous ranking of 36 in the fall preseason poll.
The Lady Tigers ended the weekend winning 5-of-6 singles matches on the last day of the tournament, as well as a doubles victory for Ferguson and Chiarelli. Junior Amanda Mang got her first victory of the tournament, defeating Georgia Tech’s Lyndsay Shosho, 6-4, 7-5.
“I was really pleased,” Minnis said after the tournament. “We competed hard and we played with the consistency that we are going to need this season.”
LSU, ranked 49th in the nation by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, will open regular dual matches on Jan. 24. The Lady Tigers will begin regular dual matches at home against Centenary and UL-Lafayette. Centenary is coming off a 1-4 loss at Mississippi State University. UL-Lafayette is opening its spring season with the match.
The Lady Tigers join 10 fellow SEC teams in the rankings, including No. 1 Florida and No. 5 Georgia.
The Lady Tigers begin SEC play Feb. 27 against Florida at Gainsville. LSU’s first home SEC match is March 19 against the University of Kentucky. LSU will also face Florida St., Purdue, Rice, Texas A&M, Tulane and Tulsa, all ranked in the ITA poll.