May 28, 2004
ATHENS, Ga.– The University of New Mexico women’s doubles pair of senior Sandy Lukowski and sophomore Maja Kovacek fell to the Marshall University team of Jessica Johnson and Ashley Kroh (6-3, 3-6, 5-7) in a three hour semifinal match this afternoon at the NCAA Doubles Tournament in Athens, Ga. The Lobo tandem exit the season with an outstanding 23-4 spring record, 33-8 overall and All-American honors.
For the first time in the tournament, the Lobo duo went to three sets against the Marshall pair. The match was a battle from the beginning as Kovacek and Lukowski fought for the 6-3 win in the first set. In the second set, the Marshall team came back with a win, bringing the match to a third deciding set. The final set was an all out battle as each team fought for the lead. The Lobo force was able to tie the score 5-5, but Marshall pulled ahead with a 6-5 lead and topped off the semifinal match with a 7-5 victory in the third.
“Marshall’s doubles team played extremely well,” said Head Coach Kathy Kolankiewicz.”They fought hard the entire time. We didn’t serve well and that’s what made the difference.”
The Lobo doubles team sensation have much to be proud of as they are the first UNM women’s doubles team to advance to the semifinals at the NCAA Championships. In their run as a doubles pair this season, Kovacek and Lukowski have stayed among the top-25 in the national rankings and end the 2004 season No. 8 in the nation.
“This has been a great week and I am so proud of Sandy and Maja,” said Kolankiewicz. “We will leave with our heads held high.”<>