Feb. 28, 2000

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - In it's first outdoor dual-match of the season, the No. 28 North Carolina women's tennis team defeated No. 69 Richmond by a score of 6-3, ending a four-match losing streak.

Leading the way for the Tar Heels (2-4) was freshman Marlene Mejia, who defeated Elizabeth Cascarilla at No. 1 singles (6-0, 6-0) and teamed with junior Erin Niebling to win at No. 1 doubles. The Tar Heel tandem defeated Cascarilla and Janelle Williams 9-8.

Two other Carolina freshmen also posted singles wins. Kendrick Bunn bested Elyse Salahi at No. 3 singles (6-3, 6-1), and Kate Pinchbeck was victorious in the No. 6 slot, topping the Spiders' Casey Cohen (6-0, 6-3).

The duo of Bunn and Pinchbeck also won at No. 2 doubles, beating Monika Peetes and Jodi Kenoyer (8-2).

"I'm particularly pleased with the play of the freshman," said Carolina head coach Roland Thornqvist. "We had two starters out, and that put a big load on our youngsters, but they stepped up."

The Tar Heels hope to continue their winning ways when they host No. 13 William & Mary at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at the Cone-Kenfield Tennis Center.

No. 28 North Carolina 6, No. 69 Richmond 3

Singles
1. Marlene Mejia (UNC) d. Elizabeth Cascarilla (UR), 6-0. 6-0
2. Janelle Williams (UR) d. Erin Niebling (UNC), 6-3, 7-6
3. Kendrick Bunn (UNC) d. Elyse Salahi (UR), 6-3, 6-1
4. Courtney Zalinski (UNC) d. Vanessa Bagnato (UR), 6-3, 6-2
5. Jodi Kenoyer (UR) d. Kristin Koenig (UNC), 6-3, 6-2
6. Kate Pinchbeck (UNC) d. Casey Cohen (UR), 6-0, 6-3

Doubles
1. Mejia/Niebling (UNC) d. Cascarilla/Williams (UR), 9-8
2. Bunn/Pinchbeck (UNC) d. Monika Peetes/Kenoyer, 8-2
3. Salahji/Bagnato (UR) d. Zaganczyk/Zalinski (UNC), 8-2