BURNS GIVES VCU EDGE OVER WILLIAM & MARY
3-30-09

RICHMOND, Va. – Junior Laura Burns provided the match-clinging victory, lifting Virginia Commonwealth University to a 4-3 win over two-time defending Colonial Athletic Association Champion William & Mary Monday at the Thalhimer Tennis Center. 

Burns rallied from behind on the No. 3 court to defeated Klaudyna Kasztelaniec, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the final match of the day. 

Additionally, junior Olena Leonchuk won her 11th straight singles matches for the Rams. She continued her win streak by defeating Barbara Zidek in two sets, 7-6 (4), 6-0, on the No. 5 court. Leonchuk improves to 17-3 this season in singles play. 

The Rams improved to 15-6, while the Tribe fell to 6-9. Monday’s match was the completion of a Friday, March 27 contest, which was postponed due to rain. 

VCU will return to action on Friday, April 3 at the Thalhimer Tennis Center against Louisville at 2 p.m. 

VCU 4, WILLIAM & MARY 3
Thalhimer Tennis Center (Richmond,Va.)
Doubles
1. #38 Zoricic/Acharya (WM) d. Bara/Bara, 8-0
2. Yergina/Burns (VCU) d. Kasztelaniec/Zidek, 9-8 (12-10)
3. Leonchuk/Bunea (VCU) d. Pop/Kargl, 8-6
Singles
1. Katarina Zoricic (WM) d. Ana Bara, 6-2, 6-3
2. Ragini Acharya (WM) d. Kateryna Yergina, 0-3, injury default
3. Laura Burns (VCU) d. Klaudyna Kasztelaniec, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3
4. Alex Bara (VCU) d. Carmen Pop, 6-2, 6-2
5. Olena Leonchuk (VCU) d. Barbara Zidek 7-6 (4), 6-0
6. Katie Kargl (WM) d. Mihaela Bunea, 7-6 (3), 6-3
Order of finish: 2, 4, 1, 5, 6, 3*

Records:  VCU 15-6; William & Mary 6-9