Jan. 25, 2003

The University of Denver women's tennis team recorded its first victory of the season with a convincing 6-1 win over Air Force this afternoon in Colorado Springs.

"This match was a huge improvement for our team," head coach Dana Young said. "Our team came ready to play, ready to fight, and it showed with the strong result."

Yanick Dullens (Susteren, Netherlands) and freshman Suzanna Maksovic (Helsingborg, Sweden) set the tone for Denver in the opening match at No. 1 doubles with an 8-4 win over Laura Nigro and Gina Black. Sophomore Barb Kourim (Dallas, Texas) and junior Beth Messaros (Gahanna, Ohio) clinched the doubles point for Denver with an 8-5 win over Miclynn Crail and Kelli O'Bryant.

Dullens, Maksovic, Kourim, sophomore Stephanie Ginsburg (Englewood, Colo.) and senior Maru Altamirano (Chula Vista, Calif.) all recorded wins in singles for Denver.

The Pioneer women return to action on Friday, Jan. 31 with a match against UC-Santa Barbara in Phoenix, Ariz.

Denver 6, Air Force 1

Doubles

#1 Yanick Dullens/Suzana Maksovic (DEN) def. Laura Nigro/Gina Black (AFA), 8-4

#2 Heather Shelby/Katherine Bushey (AFA) def. Stephanie Ginsburg/Jenny Trettin (DEN), 8-6

#3 Beth Messaros/Barb Kourim (DEN) def. Miclynn Crail/Kellie O'Bryant (AFA), 8-5

Singles

#1 Dullens (DEN) def. Nigro (AFA) 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3)

#2 Heather Shelby (AFA) def. Trettin (DEN) 4-6, 6-0, 7-6 (7-5)

#3 Maksovic (DEN) def. Bushey (AFA) 6-1, 6-1

#4 Kourim (DEN) def. O'Bryant (AFA) 7-6 (7-0), 6-1

#5 Ginsburg (DEN) def. Black (AFA) 6-0, 6-3

#6 Maru Altamirano def. Katie Tomkie (AFA) 6-1, 6-1