WAIPAHU - The Hawai'i women's tennis team dropped its sixth match against a ranked team this season, after a 7-0 loss to No. 36 Tennessee, Wednesday, at the Central Oahu Tennis Complex. The Rainbow Wahine had its modest two-match win steak snapped and fell to 7-6 overall.

After taking all three doubles matches, the Lady Vols swept five of the six singles matches in the lopsided victory. The lone bright spot for UH was the play of junior Lauren Fitzgerald, who took Sabita Maharaj to three sets before falling, 6-3, 3-6, (10-0). In doubles action, she and partner Paige Mainor were blanked by the team of Tammy Encina and Melissa Schaub, 8-0.

"Our girls were very competitive against a highly-ranked team," head coach Carolyn Katayama said. "They (Tennessee) attack the ball constantly and this is a very good team. But I was proud of my team and Tennessee had to play better to beat us, which they did."

The Rainbow Wahine take the next five days off before starting a busy week, which will see them play six matches in 10 days. Next up is New Mexico, Monday, March 15, with first serve scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at the Central Oahu Tennis Complex.


Match Results
Tennessee def. Hawai`i, 7-0
Singles
1. Sabita Maharaj (UT) def. Lauren Fitzgerald, 6-3, 3-6, (10-0)
2. Tammy Encina (UT) def. Justine Boutet, 6-1, 6-1
3. Ashley Robards (UT) def. Sylvia Jaros, 6-4, 6-2
4. Blakeley Griffith (UT) def. Paige Mainor, 6-1, 6-2
5. Majen Immick (UT) def. Kimberly Curtis, 6-2, 6-1
6. Victoria Jones (UT) def. Kana Aikawa, 6-1, 6-1

Doubles
1. Encina/Melissa Schaub (UT) def. Fitzgerald/Mainor, 8-0
2. Robards/Maharaj (UT) def. Boutet/Curtis, 8-2
3. Immick/Breanna Kray (UT) def. Jaros/Samanta Capella, 8-2



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