Beckham Records 100th Win When Women's Tennis Edges Pitt

Saturday, February 7

Louisville, Ky.

11:00 AM

University of Louisville

PITTSBURGH

Beckham Records 100th Win When Women's Tennis Edges Pitt

February 07, 2015 | Women's Tennis

Feb. 7, 2015

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The University of Louisville women's tennis team earned a historic first win as a member of the ACC over rival Pittsburgh on Saturday morning in the Bass-Rudd Tennis Center. With the win, head coach Mark Beckham recorded his 100th victory.

"What a great win," said Beckham. "When a match is that close, it's hard to not just feel relief. This is our first win in the ACC and the start of a lot more wins in the future this team. Pitt pushed us and we fought back. That is one thing that is great for a team that is young. They have already shown they fight harder than lots of teams I have coached with more experience."

The Panthers came out strong, defeating the Cards 2-1 in doubles, but Louisville came back strong, winning four of the six singles matches and claiming a 4-3 victory. The Cards are now 8-1 during the dual match season.

The No. 1 doubles pair of Elle Stokes and Ariana Rodriguez took down Pittsburgh's Lolade Ogungbesan and Callie Frey 8-6 in a tightly contested matchup. Stoles and Rodriguez are now 5-0 in dual matches this season. The Panthers took the doubles point when the No. 2 team of Olivia Boesing and Chloe Willetts fell 8-3 to Katherine Castro and Audrey Ann Blakely and the No. 3 team of Manuela Velazquez and Ellie Gerlach fell 8-7 in a tie-break to Molly Wickman and Amber Washington.

Louisville bounced back during singles play after a close loss in doubles. Manuela Velazquez earned the first point for the Cards, defeating Pittsburgh's Amber Washington 6-4, 6-3 at the No. 3 singles position. Jessie Lynn Paul added to Louisville's lead after taking down Callie Frey 6-1, 6-4 in No. 4 singles, before Olivia Boesing put the Cards up 3-1 after defeating Amanda Wickman 6-3, 6-3 in No. 5 singles.

The Panthers recorded two consecutive victories at No. 2 and No. 1 singles when Ariana Rodriguez fell 4-6, 1-6 to Lolade Ogungbesan and Elle Stokes fell 4-6, 3-6 to Audrey Ann Blakely. The Cards claimed the 4-3 victory when No. 6 singles player Chloe Willetts defeated Molly Wickman 7-5, 6-0.

"I was surprised that it was my 100th win," said Beckham. "I want thank my assistant coach, staff, administration and all former players that helped me reach this point." The Cards return to action today at 4 p.m. when they face the Saint Louis Billikens.

Tennis Match ResultsPitt vs LouisvilleFeb 07, 2015 at Louisville, Ky.(Bass-Rudd Tennis Center)
Louisville 4, Pitt 3
 Singles competition1. Audrey Ann Blakely (UP) def. Elle Stokes (LOU) 6-4, 6-32. Lolade Ogungbesan (UP) def. Ariana Rodriguez (LOU) 6-4, 6-13. Manuela Velasquez (LOU) def. Amber Washington (UP) 6-4, 6-34. Jessie Lynn Paul (LOU) def. Callie Frey (UP) 6-1, 6-45. Olivia Boesing (LOU) def. Amanda Wickman (UP) 6-3, 6-36. Chloe Willetts (LOU) def. Molly Wickman (UP) 7-5, 6-0
 Doubles competition1. Ariana Rodriguez/Elle Stokes (LOU) def. Lolade Ogungbesan/Callie Frey (UP) 8-62. Katherine Castro/Audrey Ann Blakely (UP) def. Chloe Willetts/Olivia Boesing (LOU) 8-33. Molly Wickman/Amber Washington (UP) def. Manuela Velasquez/Ellie Gerlach (LOU) 8-7 (7-3)
Match Notes:Order of finish: Doubles (2,1,3); Singles (3,4,5,2,1,6)