May 1, 2004

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' women's tennis team had a solid start in doubles winning two of the three matches, but Trinity dominated the singles matches to win 5-2 and advance to the NCAA Quartefinals May 12 in Memphis, Tenn.

The Cowgirls got an early lead in the singles when Sarah Bartlett won her first set 6-1, but she dropped two straight sets to Libby Benoist, who was filling in at the No. 6 spot for a sick Virginia Fraser.

Rebecca Watkins was one point away from victory at No. 1 singles when Nancy Chandler lost to Hayley Dittus, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 at No. 2 singles to end the match. McKenzie Swindle was tied at 1-1 in the third when the match ended.

Trinity won in straight sets at No. 3 and No. 4.

HSU closes its season at 17-2, with both losses coming to Trinity. Trinity improved to 14-9 on the year.

Trinity 5, HSU 2 Singles 1 - Rebecca Watkins (HSU)/Megan Suarez, did not finish 2 - Hayley Dittus (TU) def. Nancy Chandler, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 3 - Jackie Mendillo (TU) def. Stephanie Haynes, 6-4, 6-1 4 - Christy Austin (TU) def. Bobbye Thompson, 6-1, 6-4 5 - McKenzie Swindle (HSU)/Heather McGowan, did not finish 6 - Libby Benoist (TU) def. Sarah Bartlett, 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 Doubles 1 - Watkins/Chandler (HSU) def. McGowan/Dittus, 8-2 2 - Thompson/Swindle (HSU) def. Suarez/Austin, 8-5 3 - Mendillo/Leigh Pankonien (TU) def. Haynes/Bartlett, 8-4