Women's Tennis Edged by Huskers

April 6, 2008

Norman, Okla. - The University of Oklahoma women's tennis team (9-8, 2-3) fell 4-3 in a close match against the University of Nebraska, Sunday, April 4, at the Headington Family Tennis Center.

In doubles action, Oklahoma fell behind early as Nebraska took the doubles point, with wins at the No. 1 and 2 positions.
Senior Christi Baxley and freshman Tara Eckel were first off the court for Oklahoma after falling 8-3, to Nebraska's Imke Reimers and Jana Albers.

OU's Elena Antakova and Maria Kalashnikova brought the score to 1-1 with an 8-3 win over Huskers Wiveca Swarting and Maria Ring.

With the No. 1 match still on the courts, the duo of Ana-Maria Constantinescu and Chelsea Orr were tied at 5-all with Nebraska's Stephanie Evans and Amber Chandronnait. After taking the match to 6-6, Nebraska pulled ahead, taking the next two games and clinching the doubles point for the Huskers.

"I thought Ana and Chelsea played well," OU head coach Mark Johnson said. "There were just some crucial points that we did not take care of. You have to give credit to Evans and Chandronnait. They are a good team."

Eckel, who represented OU at the No. 6 spot, gave Oklahoma its first point, making the score 2-1. The Dallas, Texas native knocked off Nebraska's Abby Burxton 6-3, 6-0.

At the No. 1 position Constantinescu defeated Imke Reimers 6-3, 6-2 to tie the match at 2-2. The No. 89-ranked freshman had a slow start, falling behind 0-2.

The Sooners took the lead for the first time with the conclusion of the No. 3 match. Kalashnikova knocked-off Nebraska's Jana Albers 7-5, 6-4, giving OU a 3-2 advantage.

Nebraska claimed victories at the final two spots to edge by OU 4-3.

"It was disappointing," Johnson said. "We had our chance and didn't capitalize."

Oklahoma returns to the courts, Friday, April 11, as they travel to Waco, Texas to take on the Baylor Bears.

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

Oklahoma 4, Nebraska 3

Doubles
1. Reimers / Albers (NU) def. Constantinescu / Orr (OU), 8-3
2. Swarting / Ring (NU) def. Baxley / Eckel (OU), 8-3
3. Antakova / Kalashnikova (OU) def. Evans / Chandronnait (NU), 8-5
Order of finish: 2, 3, 1

Singles
1. Ana-Maria Constantinescu (OU) def. Imke Reimers (NU), 6-3, 6-2
2. Wiveca Swarting (NU) def. Chelsea Orr (OU), 6-1, 6-2
3. Maria Kalashnikova (OU) def. Jana Albers (NU) 7-5, 6-4
4. Stephanie Evans (NU) def. Elena Antakova (OU) 4-6, 6-3, 6-3
5. Amber Chandronnait (NU) def Christi Baxley (OU) 7-6 (6), 4-6, 0-6
6. Tara Eckel (OU) def. Abby Buxton (NU), 6-3, 6-0
Order of finish: 2, 6, 1, 4, 3, 5

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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