MILWAUKEE (March 3, 2012) – Rutgers University women’s tennis was defeated 6-1 by DePaul on Saturday at Helfaer Tennis Stadium. The Scarlet Knights fell to 5-4 overall and 1-3 in the BIG EAST.

“We were disappointed by today’s loss, but I thought we played very competitive tennis,” said head coach Benjamin Bucca. “Anyone who watched us play today saw how strong we competed against a really solid team.”

The Rutgers first doubles team of senior Jennifer Holzberg (Easton, Conn.) and sophomore Vanessa Petrini (Stamford, Conn.) won their match 8-6, but DePaul (10-3, 1-0 BIG EAST) took the second and third team matches to secure the doubles point.

In singles, the Blue Demons won five of the six matches to seal the neutral-site victory. Sophomore Stefania Balasa (East Brunswick, N.J.) picked up the only win for Rutgers at the fourth slot to improve her record to a team-best 7-1.

The Scarlet Knights continue on the road, traveling to Charleston, S.C., to take on the College of Charleston on Sunday, March 11 at 3 p.m.

DePaul 6, Rutgers 1

Singles

1. Jasmin Kling (DePaul) def. Jennifer Holzberg (RU) 6-1, 4-6, 6-3

2. Patricia Fargas (DePaul) def. Vanessa Petrini (RU) 6-3, 2-6, 6-2

3. Gia McKnight def.  Morgan Ivey (RU) 6-2, 6-3

4. Stefania Balasa (RU) def. Kelsey Lawson (DePaul) 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (11-9)

5. Carolin Neumann (DePaul) def. Noor Judeh (RU) 6-3, 6-3

6. Cali Gustafson (DePaul) def. Lindsay Balsamo (RU) 6-2, 6-3

Doubles

1. Jennifer Holzberg/Vanessa Petrini (RU) def. Jasmin Kling /Carolin Neumann (DePaul) 8-6

2. Kelsey Lawson /Patricia Fargas (DePaul) def. Stefania Balasa/Noor Judeh (RU) 8-1

3. Gia McKnight /Cali Gustafson (DePaul) def. Morgan Ivey/Lindsay Balsamo (RU) 8-5

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