March 1, 2003

Cullowhee, N.C. - The Western Carolina women's tennis team lost its Southern Conference opener to the College of Charleston Saturday, 6-1, at the Reid Gym Tennis Courts. The loss brings Western to 1-2 for the season.

The Cougars claimed all three doubles matches for the day. Rachel Magory and Lauren Stewart defeated Shannon Zalinski and Erin Johnson, 8-4, while Megan Bechtold and Katie VanEwyk fell to Gabriella Moreira and Ashley Willis, 8-3. Kristin Cotton and Kristin Munn lost the third match, 8-5, to Whitney Malina and Emily Scatuorchio.

In singles play, the Cats' lone win of the day came from Rocio Perez, who defeated Stewart in a three set thriller; 1-6, 7-6 (5), 11-9. Bechtold, playing in the number one spot for the first time, fell to Magory, 6-2, 6-0. Cotton fought hard against Scatuorchio, but fell in two sets; 6-3, 7-5.

The Lady Catamounts are set to host Mercer Sunday, March 2, at Noon and continue their home stand against West Virginia Saturday, March 8, at 1:00 pm.

Doubles
Magory/Stewart (CofC) def. Johnson/Zalinski (WCU); 8-4
Moreira/Willis (CofC) def. Bechtold/VanEwyk (WCU); 8-3
Malina/Scatuorchio (CofC) def. Munn/Cotton (WCU); 8-5

Singles
Rachel Magory (CofC) def. Megan Bechtold (WCU); 6-2, 6-0
Gabriella Moreira (CofC) def. Kristin Munn (WCU); 6-0, 6-1
Whitney Malina (CofC) def. Erin Johnson (WCU); 6-0, 6-0
Rocio Perez (WCU) def. Lauren Stewart (CofC); 1-6, 7-6 (5), 11-9
Emily Scatuorchio (CofC) def. Kristin Cotton (WCU); 6-3, 7-5
Ashley Willis (CofC) def. Katie VanEwyk (WCU); 6-3, 6-1