ELSAH, ILL-- After tough spring break competition the Lady Panthers opened conference play tonight with a decisive victory over Blackburn College. All of the players were focused and deliberate in closing out their opponents and giving up only a handle full of games in the nine matches.

Sanderude/Corbitt at #1 doubles continued their winning streak and developed their I-formation doubles strategy, which makes them even harder to beat. #2 Frandsen/ Hronek started their match slowly, but finished with a 8-5 victory. At #3 doubles Banko/Carcieri did not let their opponents take a game from them, playing solid tennis with strong serves and aggressive net play.

In singles tonight, Hilary Frandsen #3, Courtney Banko #5, and Jasmine Carcieri #6 closed out their matches with a 6-0,6-0 score. Carlie Sanderude #1, Sarah Corbitt #2, and Marianna Hronek #4 only gave up one or two games in their matches. All of the players implemented the strategy they have been developing: playing steady, hitting aggressive overheads, and taking time away from their opponents. Every player executed strong approach shots forcing their opponents into errors or easy put away shots.

In the exhibition matches tonight, #4 doubles Korthals/Stock won their match decisively 8-0. Both of these players continued their strong play in their singles winning handedly 6-1, 6-0.

This is just the beginning of a full week of match play, both conference and non-conference. The Panthers play Thursday at home against Eureka College and Friday at home against Illinois Wesleyan. Come support the Lady Panthers at 4:30 this Thursday and Friday, Panther Perks may be involved.

Tennis Match Results
Singles competition
1. Carlie Sanderude (PCWT) def. Maggie Sheraden (BCWT) 6-2, 6-0
2. Sarah Corbitt (PCWT) def. Amanda Orzechowski (BCWT) 6-0, 6-2
3. Hilary Frandsen (PCWT) def. Kinsey Hilliard (BCWT) 6-0, 6-0
4. Marianna Hronek (PCWT) def. Mallory Cummings (BCWT) 6-1, 6-0
5. Courtney Banko (PCWT) def. Amelia Kirby (BCWT) 6-0, 6-0
6. Jasmine Carcieri (PCWT) def. Kami Brimberry (BCWT) 6-0, 6-0
Doubles competition
1. Carlie Sanderude/Sarah Corbitt (PCWT) def. Maggie Sheraden/Amanda Orzechowski (BCWT) 8-2
2. Marianna Hronek/Hilary Frandsen (PCWT) def. Kinsey Hilliard/Mallory Cummings (BCWT) 8-5
3. Jasmine Carcieri/Courtney Banko (PCWT) def. Amelia Kirby/Kami Brimberry (BCWT) 8-0
Match Notes: Exhibition Matches
Singles competition
7. Caroline Korthals (PCWT) def. Jesse Johnson (BCWT) 6-1,6-0
8. Haillie Stock (PCWT) def. Michelle Beuscher (BCWT) 6-1,6-0

Doubles competition
4. Haillie Stock/Caroline Korthals (PCWT) def. Jessie Johnson/Michelle Beuscher (BCWT) 8-0