#75 Maryland Cruises Past JMU in Home Opener

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – No. 75 Maryland won each of the top four singles matches to help the Terps cruise past James Madison, 5-2, in the home opener at the Tennis Center at College Park on Saturday afternoon.

Maryland (1-2) earned the doubles point by winning two of the three matches to take an early 1-0 lead in the team scoring.

In singles, Nataliya Bredikhina posted one of the toughest wins of the afternoon for the Terps as she survived in three sets to earn a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over Rachel Nelson at No. 2 singles.

Bredikhina wasn't alone in going three sets. Kristina Hovsepyan picked up a come-from-behind 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over JMU's Emma Petersen at No. 4 singles.

Alexandra Stanova won her first match of the season after a long injury that sidelined her at the end of last season. She defeated Bella Heidenreich in a strong fashion (6-2, 6-3) at No. 3 singles.

Freshman Arnelle Sullivan was solid at No. 1 singles, claiming a 6-3, 6-4 win over Timea Guibe.

"JMU came out fighting and I thought they played really well and provided a good test for us," said Maryland Head Coach Daria Panova. "I am very proud of the girls for fighting it out and starting our home season with a win. Alex and Arnelle did an amazing job closing out the match."

Maryland returns to action in two weeks when the Terps travel to Louisiana to take on LSU and Tulane.

No. 75 Maryland 5, James Madison 2

Singles Competition

1. Arnelle Sullivan (MD) def. Timea Guibe (JMU) 6-3,6-4
2. Nataliya Bredikhina (MD) def. Rachel Nelson (JMU) 3-6,6-3,6-2
3. Alexandra Stanova (MD) def. Bella Heidenreich (JMU) 6-2,6-3
4. Kristina Hovsepyan (MD) def. Emma Petersen(JMU) 3-6,6-3,6-4
5. Kimmy Herrock (JMU) def. Olga Bredikhina (MD) 7-6(3),6-4
6. Rebecca Harris (JMU) def. Olivia Gaudreault (MD) 7-5,6-1

Doubles Competition

1. Alexandra Stanova/ Kristina Hovsepyan (MD) def. Timea Guibe/ Bella Heidenreich(JMU) 6-2
2. Abby Amos/Rebecca Harris (JMU) def. Nataliya Bredikhina/Caroline Williams (MD) 6-2
3. Olivia Gaudreault/Cassandre Thebault (MD) def. Rachel Nelson/Emily Bradshaw (JMU) 6-3