March 26, 2005

Virginia Beach, VA - The Red Storm women's tennis team swept past the University of Alberta on Friday, winning 7-0 in the first day of action at the "Elite 8" tournament hosted by Old Dominion.

St. John's swept all three doubles matches, needing only two to take the point, as the Red Storm won at No. 1, 8-1, No. 2, 8-0 and No. 3, 8-3 and headed into singles action with a 1-0 advantage.

The Red Storm advanced through the singles action without dropping a set and swept two matches, as Mariana Chachua and Hande Gorur each won 6-0, 6-0 at No. 5 and No. 6, respectively. After a tight first set, Barbora Blahutiakova won her No. 1 match, 7-5, 6-0 and Kristina Bothova followed with a 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 2. Lauren Leo and Allison Davidson closed out the sweep for St. John's, with Leo winning 6-4, 6-1 at No. 3 and Davidson won an easy 6-1, 6-1 match at No. 4.

St. John's advances through the winner's bracket and will face Howard in the second day of action at the "Elite 8" Tournament on Saturday.