Oct. 10, 2008

MORAGA, Calif. - The California women's tennis team enjoyed a strong opening day at the St. Mary's Invitational at the Korth Tennis Complex in Moraga, Calif., putting three singles players into the round of 16 and one doubles team into the semifinal. Sixth-seeded freshman Jana Juricova had the most impressive singles win of the day, getting a 6-0, 6-1 win in the Red Flight over Portland's Stephanie Fuchs.

Sophomore Rachael Dillon cruised to a 6-0 win in her first set against UC Davis' Randi Schuler but had to fight for the second set, emerging with a 6-4 win. Freshman Stephany Chang needed three sets to put away Aglaya Kokurina of Gonzaga. Chang won her first set 6-2, but surrendered a 6-1 score in the second before storming back for a 6-1 win in the third set to win the match. In the White Flight, freshman Catalina Visico had a tough time with Ashley Pane of Santa Clara, falling in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2.

In doubles play, Cal's top-seeded duo of Juricova and Dillon got a first-round bye in the Red Flight and came out strong to take out a pair of Caroline's, Bailly and Stevens of Nevada, 8-5. Nevada's duo of Florence De Vrye and Lais Ogata got the best of Visico and Chang in the first round of doubles play, coming out with an 8-1 victory. Chang and Visico teamed up again in doubles consolation and fell, 8-0 to Jenni Heinser and Cecilia Gratian of San Francisco.

In addition to host St. Mary's, Washington, Portland, Gonzaga, San Francisco, Santa Clara, UC Davis, Pacific, San Jose State, Boise State, Sacramento State and Nevada are also taking part in the three-day tournament. Play resumes tomorrow (Oct. 11) with round of 16 and quarterfinal singles matches and doubles semifinals.

For complete draws, results and information, please visit www.SMCGaels.com and look for the women's tennis homepage or point your browser to www.tennisinformation.com and enter tournament ID No. 5185515.

St. Mary's Invitational - Day 1
Moraga, Calif. - Friday, Oct. 10, 2008

Red Flight Singles
First Round (32)
(6) Jana Juricova (CAL) def. Stephanie Fuchs (POR) 6-0, 6-1
Stephany Chang (CAL) def. Aglaya Kokurina (GON) 6-2, 1-6, 6-1
Rachael Dillon (CAL) def. Randi Schuler (UCD) 6-0, 6-4

White Flight Singles
First Round (32)
Ashley Pane (SCU) def. Catalina Visico (CAL) 6-2, 6-2

Red Flight Doubles
First Round (16)
De Vrye/Ogata (NEV) def. Visico/Chang (CAL) 8-1
Quarterfinals
(1) Juricova/Dillon (CAL) def. Bailly/Stevens (NEV) 8-5
Consolation Quarterfinals
Gratian/Heinser (USF) def. Visico/Chang (CAL) 8-0