Molnar Leads Iowa On Day One

Oct. 22, 2010

FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. – The University of Iowa women’s tennis team opened play at the ITA Central Regional Friday. Junior Sonja Molnar led the Hawkeyes, advancing to the round of 16 in both singles and doubles.

In singles, Molnar defeated Jade Frampton of Arkansas 7-6(4), 6-4 and Northwestern’s Patricia Veresova 6-1, 7-6 (4). In doubles, Molnar teamed with senior Lynne Poggensee-Wei to down Starkova/Frampton of Arkansas 8-4 after receiving a first-round bye.

Iowa senior Jessica Young lost a heartbreaking three-set decision to Sarah Meghoufel of Oklahoma State 6-4, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (3). Young fought off four match points in the second set before falling in the third set. Fellow senior Lynne Poggensee-Wei also lost in three sets, falling to Missouri’s Kaitlyn Ritchie 6-0, 6-7(4), 6-3. Iowa’s third senior Alexis Dorr fell in a tough match against Stephanie Weinstein of Northwestern 7-6 (6), 6-2.

“We did a lot of good things out there today,” noted Head Coach Katie Dougherty. “We ran into four very good first-round opponents and competed well across the board. Jessica and Lynne’s matches in the end came down to points and they fell the other way. Sonja really battled today and came away with two good wins. She and Lynne are playing some very good doubles right now and are looking forward to advancing.”

The Hawkeyes will continue play Saturday at 8:30 a.m. (CT) at the Billingsley Tennis Center.

Singles:
Sonja Molnar (IOWA) def. Jade Frampton (ARK) – 7-6(4), 6-4
Sonja Molnar (IOWA) def. Patricia Veresova (NU) – 6-1, 7-6(4)
Sarah Meghoufel (OSU) def. Jessica Young (IOWA) – 6-4, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (3)
Stephanie Weinstein (NU) def. Alexis Dorr (IOWA) – 7-6(6), 6-2
Kaitlyn Ritchie (MU) def. Lynne Poggensee-Wei (IOWA) – 6-0, 6-7(4), 6-3

Doubles:
Molnar/Poggensee-Wei (IOWA) def. Starkova/Frampton (ARK) – 8-4
Carbone/Roy (ARK) def. Dorr/Young (IOWA) – 8-5