University Park, Pa., Jan. 29, 2005 ¨C The Penn State Women¡¯s Tennis team are off to a remarkable start as they beat Temple University, 6-1.

Penn State took an early lead in doubles play. Seniors Maaria Husain (Marion, Ohio) and Sarah Spence (Calgary, Alberta) fought hard and won against opponents Ana Maslesa and Yuri Kurashima, 9-8 (7-5). Then, the duo of skilled sophomores Sasha Abraham (Hyderabad, India) and Katelyn BeVard (McLean, Va.) defeated Jennifer Goeta and Sharanya Pattabi, 8-1.

In singles competition, Maaria Husain posted a strong showing against Ana Maslesa but fell 6-2, 6-4. However, the team was not discouraged, as Sarah Spence scored a victory for Penn State by defeating Yuri Kurashima in a tough match, 6-2, 4-6 (10-7). Also winning impressively was sophomore Andreea Niculescu (Montreal, Quebec), who was able to beat Jennifer Goeta, 6-0, 6-0.

The Penn State Women¡¯s Tennis team will host Pennsylvania on Feb. 4 at 4:30 p.m. at the Sarni Tennis Center.

 Singles Ana Maslesa (TU) def. Maaria Husain (PSU) 6-2, 6-4 Sarah Spence (PSU) def. Yuri Kurashima (TU) 6-2, 4-6 (10-7) Sasha Abraham (PSU) def. Lauren Verrall (TU) 6-1, 6-0 Katelyn BeVard (PSU def. Laura Seiverling (TU) 6-0, 6-4 Andreea Niculescu (PSU) def. Jennifer Goeta (TU) 6-0, 6-0 Jenny Schular (PSU) def. Sharanya Pattabi (TU) 6-3, 6-1 Jess McKeown (PSU) def. Jackie Sy (TU) 6-0, 6-1 Kristine Harclerode (PSU) def. Marisa Coyne (TU) 8-0

 Doubles Husain/Spence (PSU) def. Maslesa/Kurashima (TU) 9-8 (7-5) BeVard/Abraham (PSU) def. Goeta/Pattabi (TU) 8-1 Schular/McKeown (PSU) def. Verrall/Seiverling (TU) 8-5