Pitt wins three of four despite injury to starter

Despite losing the team’s top performer to an ankle injury, the Pitt women’s tennis team… Despite losing the team’s top performer to an ankle injury, the Pitt women’s tennis team won three out of its last four matches to improve its overall record to 7-2.

Laura Pegula sprained her right ankle, but has been treated by trainers and should be ready to compete in both singles and doubles play in the team’s next match against Youngstown St.

“[Pegula] was actually out running and hit some uneven pavement and just sort of turned her ankle,” head coach George Dieffenbach said. “She probably will have a hard time getting it all the way back to 100 percent, because we have matches almost every day.”

Pitt 6, Mercyhurst 3

The Panthers won five out of six singles matches and two out of three doubles matches on their way to an impressive victory.

Pegula, Becky Emmers, Emily Hughes and Konita Jude all won in straight sets.

“Mercyhurst was ranked No. 20 in the nation in Division II,” Dieffenbach said. “It was a good win for us.”

Pitt 1, St. John’s 6

The Panthers had a tough time against a strong opponent on the second leg of their three-game road trip.

Emily Hughes picked up the lone point for the Panthers by defeating Jennifer Liantonio 1-6, 7-5, 7-5.

“It was a tough match for us,” Dieffenbach said. “They have a real good team, but we put up a good fight. It was a good showing for our team against a talented team.”

Pitt 5, St. Bonaventure 2

Pitt got back to its winning ways against the Bonnies up in Olean, N.Y., mostly due to strong play in doubles matches.

Pegula was forced to sit out singles play due to an injury, but Emmers filled in and never missed a beat.

Senior Hayley Hughes picked up her 100th career win when she defeated Lindsey Marsh in straight sets, 6-0, 6-1.

Pitt 6, St. Francis 1

The Panthers returned to their home court in Monroeville, Pa., with a bang, as they won all singles matches in straight sets.

“It’s been a lot of matches for us in a row,” Dieffenbach said about his team competing in four matches in as many days. “Our team is definitely getting match tough.”

Pegula was again sidelined for singles play, but did manage to compete in a doubles match. She appeared to be bothered by that sore right ankle, cringing and hobbling at times. Pegula and doubles partner Emily Hughes were competitive throughout their match, but lost to the No. 1 pairing of Amy Croskey and Lesley Wenzel by the score of 8-6.

Dieffenbach was particularly impressed with the play of Emmers, who played in the No. 1 spot and defeated Croskey in straight sets, 6-3 and 6-2.

“We competed hard in singles today,” Dieffenbach said. “Becky Emmers did particularly well against a pretty good opponent. The players in singles matches are getting more consistent. They’ve been working very hard on footwork, and it’s starting to pay off.”

Pitt will face Youngstown State today at its home court, Oxford Olympic Court in Monroeville.

“It’s a big match for us,” Dieffenbach said. “[Youngstown State] is always very talented, and they compete hard. It’s going to be a tough test for us.”