Feb. 24, 2007
Albuquerque, N.M. – The No. 38 University of New Mexico women’s tennis team (4-1) experienced two losses to No. 67 Boise State last night after receiving their first loss of the season (5-2) and having their No. 1 singles and doubles player on the team, Iva Gersic, suffer a season ending injury.
“It was a very emotional night through everything,” said head coach Kathy Kolankiewicz. “The doubles match was so intense and then to have this happen, it was very emotionally draining. By the time Iva went to the hospital, everyone was tired both emotionally and pysically.”
The night started out on a high note with the UNM team coming in with a feeling of victory, however that was all going to change. The teams went 1-1 in the first two doubles matches with the Lobos’ Lucy Scott and Sandra Zmak taking an 8-5 victory over Kokoulina and Wlodarcyzk 8-5. The doubles point came down to the No. 1 spot where Gersic and partner Ola Abou-Zekry were battling Coll and Jochimsen. The tennis bubbles were silent during play and eruptions of cheers would come each time UNM scored a point. With New Mexico down 8-7, but slowly getting the edge to reach an 8-8 tie-up, Gersic and Abou-Zekry went in for a low ball at the same time. Gersic collided with the floor and after she came to a stop on the ground it was evident that something was wrong. Fifteen minutes later the paramedics showed up to take her to the hostpital. The doubles point went to Boise State and New Mexico went in to the singles matches with a big cloud overhead.
The team ended singles play going 2-4 on the night. The Lobos had to move the players up one spot to compensate for the loss of Gersic and play at a higher singles spot than anticipated. Gersic’s doubles partner, Ola Abou-Zekry, took over at the No. 1 singles spot and came out with a big victory for UNM (6-4, 6-3). Freshman Sandra Zmak held the No. 2 singles spot and came out with a 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 win over Paulina Kokoulina.
Gersic is now out for the rest of the season and done with her collegiate career due to torn ligaments in her ankle. She received All-America honors last year with doubles partner Maja Kovacek. She ended her career with the all-time highest winning percentage at UNM with 190-44 (.812).
New Mexico will be playing again Sunday at 11 a.m. against No. 65 Kansas State at the Lobo Tennis Club. Come out and show your support and appreciation for women’s tennis!
Boise State 5, New Mexico 2
Doubles
1. Baum/Mackova def. Gersic/Abou-Zekry 8-7 ret.
2. Scott/Zmak def. Kokoulina/Wlodarczyk 8-5
3. Coll/Jochimsen def. Quintal/Sotirchos 8-2
Singles
1. Ola Abou-Zekry def. Bianca Jochimsen 6-4, 6-3
2. Sandra Zmak def. Polina Kokoulina 6-3, 1-6, 6-2
3. Jana Mackova def. Mackenzie White 1-6, 7-5, 10-5
4. Stacey Housley def. Lucy Scott 6-1, 6-3
5. K. Wlodarczyk def. Nora Quintal 7-6, 6-2
6. Tiffany Coll def. Jennifer Ryba 6-4, 6-3