PISCATAWAY, N.J. (April 15, 2012) – Rutgers University women’s tennis finished its regular season in grand style, defeating West Virginia University, 6-1, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at the RU Tennis Complex. The Scarlet Knights ended the schedule with six-straight BIG EAST victories.

It was the final home match for seniors Jennifer Holzberg (Easton, Conn.), Morgan Ivey (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.) and Leonora Slatnick (Austin, Texas), as the program recognized the many contributions of the trio prior to the match.

“It was a great way to end our season with a strong victory over West Virginia, taking the last six BIG EAST matches on our schedule,” said ninth-year head coach Benjamin Bucca. “It was great to see our two seniors Morgan and Jennifer play fantastic tennis as well see Leonora, who served as honorary coach, do a great job in inspiring the team. This was a motivating day for Rutgers tennis and we look forward to competing in the BIG EAST Championships.”

The tone of the match was set once again in doubles, as Rutgers (12-8, 7-3 BIG EAST) took the opening point behind an 8-3 win from Holzberg and sophomore Vanessa Petrini (Stamford, Conn.) at the first slot and an tough 8-6 victory at number two from Ivey and freshman Lindsay Balsamo (Wall, N.J.).

The Scarlet Knights started with a point at sixth position in singles due to forfeit, and were victorious in four of the five matches to seal the win. Holzberg and Ivey both played well in their final match at home, defeating their opponents with an aggressive brand of tennis. Petrini controlled her contest against the Mountaineer’s top player on her way to a straight-set victory. Balsamo cruised to a 6-1, 6-1 triumph at the fifth position.

West Virginia dropped to 4-16 and 1-6 in the conference.

Rutgers has qualified for the BIG EAST Championships and will now await its seed. Action in Tampa, Fla., is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 19.

Rutgers 6, West Virginia 1

Singles

1. Vanessa Petrini (RU) def. Mary Chupa (WVU), 6-3, 6-3

2. Jennifer Holzberg (RU) def. Emily Mathis (WVU), 6-0, 6-1

3. Morgan Ivey (RU) def. Veronica Cardenas (WVU), 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)

4. Ikttesh Chahal (WVU) def. Stefania Balasa (RU), 6-4, 1-6, 9

5. Lindsay Balsamo (RU) def. Catie Wickline (WVU), 6-1, 6-1

6. Noor Judeh (RU) def. no opponent (WVU), DNP

Doubles

1. Holzberg/Petrini (RU) def. Chupa/Chahal (WVU), 8-3

2. Balsamo/Ivey (RU) def. Cardenas/Mathis (WVU), 8-6

3. Balasa/Judeh (RU) def. no opponent (WVU), DNP

Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding women’s tennis, follow the program on Twitter @RUwtennis. Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.