Oklahoma Edges Missouri, 4-3

April 19, 2008

NORMAN, Okla. - The University of Oklahoma women's tennis team (11-11, 4-7) concluded regular season play with a 4-3 win over the University of Missouri, Saturday, April 19, at the Headington Family Tennis Center.

"I'm very glad to have gotten a win," OU head coach Mark Johnson said. "It is always nice to go into the Big 12 Championships off a win."

At the match, Oklahoma recognized seniors Chelsea Orr, Christi Baxley and Rachael Cox as the three played their final home match as Sooners.

"It was really sad for me," Baxley said. "I have loved my four years here. It will be different not playing anymore."

Missouri took an early 1-0 edge with doubles victories at the No. 2 and 3 spots.

Senior Chelsea Orr partnered with Ana-Maria Constantinescu, in her last home doubles match, to win the No.1 spot, 8-5.

"It was a little bit emotional for me," Orr said. "Ana and I have gotten really close. I will really miss playing with her. But I am really pleased with how we played. It was a great match to end my regular season doubles career on."

In singles action, Missouri went up 2-0 when Katelyn Ritchie defeated Christi Baxley 6-0, 6-1.

The Sooners rebounded quickly, tying the score at 2-2 with wins at No. 1 and No. 2.

Freshman Maria Kalashnikova blew past Missouri's Chrissy Svetlic 6-2, 6-1, while fellow freshman Constantinescu defeated Mallory Weber 6-2, 6-0.

"Maria and Ana played very well," Johnson said. "I'm pleased with what they have done for us this season. They both have so much potential."

Elena Antakova was next off the courts, giving OU its first lead. The sophomore defeated Missouri's Maureen Modesto 6-4, 6-1.

Orr finished next, clinching the win for Oklahoma. The Tulsa native defeated Tiger's Jessica Giuggioli in straight sets 6-0, 7-6 (1).

"Chelsea has really played great all season," Johnson said. "Today was no exception. She did what she needed to do and I am very proud of her."

Oklahoma will spend the week preparing for the Big 12 Championships, which will begin Thursday, April 24, in College Station, Texas.

For updates on women's tennis check SoonerSports.com.

Doubles
1. Constantinescu / Orr (OU) def. Dunham/Ayala (MU), 8-5
2. Weber/Svetlic (MU) def. Baxley / Eckel (OU), 9-7
3. Giuggioli/Ritchie (MU) def. Kalashnikova / Antakova (OU), 8-5

Order of finish: 1, 3, 2

Singles
1. Ana-Maria Constantinescu (OU) def. Mallory Weber (MU), 6-2, 6-0
2. Chelsea Orr (OU) def. Jessica Giuggioli (MU), 6-0, 7-6 (1)
3. Maria Kalashnikova (OU) def. Chrissy Svetlic (MU), 6-2, 6-1
4. Elena Antakova (OU) def. Maureen Modesto (MU), 6-4, 6-1
5. Katelyn Ritchie (MU) def. Christi Baxley (OU), 6-0, 6-1
6. Kaitlin Dunham (MU) def. Tara Eckel (OU), 6-4, 2-6, 6-3

Order of finish: 5, 3, 1, 4, 2, 6

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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