Jan. 23, 2013

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - After an impressive 7-0 opening match victory over Howard, the Maryland women's tennis team returns to action Friday against intrastate foe UMBC at the Tennis Center at College Park. Competition is slated to begin at 3 p.m.

The Terrapins (1-0, 0-0 ACC) impressed in their first dual-match under Head Coach Daria Panova, never letting up on the Lady Bison. Senior Vroni Van Berlo, playing in her first singles match in the No 1 position since she arrived at Maryland, notched hard fought singles and doubles victories. The senior teamed with freshman Olga Gaistruk, who did not look out of place next to her more experienced partner

Gaistruk is among a group of five talented freshmen who will much of the heavy lifting for the Terrapins this season. All five won their singles matches, and in those contests, their Lady Bison opponents won more than three games in just one set.

The young Terrapins also sparkled in doubles. Sarah Gealer and Gabriela Srodowski stayed composed in their first match as a team. The twin tandem of Olga and Nataliya Bredhikina was also victorious.

Scouting the Retrievers

UMBC enters Friday's contest coming off a 6-1 defeat to William & Mary. The Retrievers are led by sophomore Isabel Aldunate, who posted 17-13 singles record last season. Freshman Shannon Cleary accounted for UMBC's only match victory against the Tribe.

Follow the Terps

Live updates of the match can be found on Twitter @TerpTennis