Blackbirds Open Northeast Conference Slate with 4-3 Victory over Sacred Heart

4/4/06 -- Long Island University picked up a 4-3 victory over Northeast Conference opponent Sacred Heart in collegiate women's tennis action on Sunday afternoon.

Freshman Ashley Harvey (Randallstown, Md.) won her 11th consecutive singles match, a straight set victory over Jessica Schnell, 6-3, 6-1. Harvey also paired with junior Merve Koksal (Ankara, Turkey) for an 8-1 win at No. 2 doubles.

The Blackbirds split the six singles matches with the Pioneers, 3-3. Senior Jessica Loose (Scheessel, Germany) won at No. 1 singles, 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, over Lauren Galatie. Fellow classmate Krystina Bachner (Penfield, N.Y.) took the No. 3 singles point in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, over Laura Murillo.

In addition to the Harvey/Koksal victory in doubles, Loose and Bachner paired to win No. 1 doubles and take home the decisive doubles point with an 8-1 win over Galatie and Pam Pillo.

LIU continues its conference schedule at Wagner on Friday, Apr. 7 at 2:00 p.m.