OMAHA, Neb.- The Wichita State women's tennis team won their
fourth straight Missouri Valley Conference Tournament on Sunday, defeating
Illinois State 4-1.
The Shocker women came out ready to play, winning the first
two doubles matches, 8-0. Lucia Kovalova and Delia Damaschin defeated Aniko
Kiss and Emmie Marx and Lutfiana Budiharto and Carla Venticinque defeated Phyllis
Tigges and Ariane Maack, to put the Shockers up 1-0 heading into singles play.
"Our doubles has been up and down this year, but the last
month or so there has been a lot more ups than downs," said head coach Colin
Foster. "To win 8-0 at one and two was impressive."
The Redbirds came back fighting in the singles competition,
winning the first match as Phyllis Tigges defeated Lucia Kovalova, 6-0, 6-2.
The Shocks would lock down and win the next three contests to take the title.
Carla Venticinque defeated Hannah Esker, 6-1, 6-0, to decide the match in
Wichita State's favor.
Lutfiana Budiharto's defeat of Aniko Kiss, 6-2, 6-2, was the
108th win of her career, which puts her in a tie for second place on
the Wichita State all-time win's list with Lisa Field (1994-98).
"Credit ISU for coming out on a misson in the singles. They played
well and pushed us at every position," said Foster. "We had to earn this
victory today and I'm very proud of the way we handled the pressure,
expectations, and a very quality opponent playing good tennis."
"We're excited to be back in the NCAA's," added Foster.
The Shockers will find out where they will be seeded in the
NCAA tournament on Tuesday, May 1st.
-WICHITA STATE-
