University of North Carolina Athletics
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Northwestern
Tenth Ranked Women's Tennis Holds Home Court Against 12th Ranked Northwestern
February 16, 2002 | Women's Tennis
Feb. 16, 2002
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Marlene Mejia and Kate Pinchbeck easily swept their opponents while Julie Rotondi won a back and forth match filled with tension to clinch Carolina's 4-3 victory over Northwestern Saturday afternoon.
Mejia won her flight one match 6-2, 6-2 against Marine Piriou, the ninth-ranked player in the country, while Pinchbeck swept 95th-ranked Jessica Rush, 6-1, 6-3 in flight three. Mejia looks at the match as validation for the Tar Heel's recent appearance in the ITA top 10.
"This win really proves how tough we are," Mejia said. "We didn't let the top 10 ranking go to our head."
Rotondi, who is known for her on court intensity, battled back from a 6-2 loss in the first set to win her flight two match 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 against the equally intense Lia Jackson. The two traded points and yells in the final set before Rotondi pulled away for the win.
"The tension was ridiculous," Rotondi said. "I knew it would be like that coming into the match. I've been looking forward to this match for a long time."
Aniela Mojzis also won at flight four, defeating Andrea Yung, 7-6 (2), 6-0. Carolina Head Coach Jen Callen said the victory was a tribute to the team's focus in singles after a shaky start in doubles.
"It was a total team effort," Callen said. "These girls have worked so hard. I'm so proud of them."
The Tar Heels, who are now 6-1, will next play against William & Mary Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Chapel Hill.
Doubles
1. Marine Piriou/Jessica Rush (NW) d. Marlene Mejia/Lee Bairos (NC) 8-3
2. Simone Petrutiu/Lia Jackson (NW) d. Kendall Cline/Aniela Mojzis (NC) 8-4
3. Kate Pinchbeck/Julie Rotondi (NC) d. Ruth Barnes/Stacey Kokx (NW) 8-1
Northwestern wins doubles point
Singles
1. Marlene Mejia (NC) d. #9 Marine Piriou (NW) 6-2, 6-2
2. #41Julie Rotondi (NC) d. # 55 Lia Jackson (NW), 2-6, 6-1, 6-4
3.# 37 Kate Pinchbeck (NC) d. #95 Jessica Rush (NW), 6-1, 6-3
4. Aniela Mojzis (NC) d. Andrea Yung (NW), 7-6 (2), 6-0
5. Simona Petrutiu (NW) d. Lee Bairos, (NC), 6-2, 2-6, 6-0
6. Stacy Kokx (NW) d. Caroline Hill (NC), 6-3, 7-6 (6
