The University at Buffalo women's tennis program claimed its first victory of the season against St. Francis (PA) on Saturday, September 22 at the UB tennis center.

The first-doubles duo of junior Karen Maynard (Poughkeepsie, NY/Spackenkill) and senior Shani Amarasinghe (Patchogue, NY/Patchogue-Medford) won 8-6 in a close match with Amy Croskey and Jamie DeLorie. At second doubles, Mary Byrer and Lesley Wenzel defeated senior Anne Schule (Snyder, NY/Amherst) and sophomore Lisa Wittman (Cheektowaga, NY/ Cheektowaga), 8-6. Seniors Kendra Pyke (Watertown, NY/Watertown) and Jennifer Wong (Penfield, NY/Penfield) defeated Jessica Frederick and Kendra Fewell at third doubles.

"Our seniors helped us secure the win," said Head Coach Kathy Twist. "They know how to work through the nervousness and get the win."

In singles play, UB continued to be successful. At first singles, Maynard won her first match against Croskey 6-1, lost the second 6-7, but came back to win the last 6-4. Freshman Michaela Kollarova (Slovak Republic/Bratislava) won her second singles match against Byrer 6-0, 6-1.

"Michaela is a great addition to our team," said Twist. "She knows how to stay focused."

At third singles, Amarasinghe lost to DeLorie 6-2, 6-3. Playing forth singles, Wong fell 6-4, 6-3, to Wenzel. Schule beat Angela Palma at fifth singles 6-4, 6-2. At sixth singles, senior Meaghan Partelow (Lyons, NY/Lyons) defeated Frederick 6-0, 6-1.

"It was a great start to the season," said Twist. "The team played well and showed amazing support for each other."

The Bulls will be playing at the St. Bonaventure Tournament on September 28 - 30.