Women's tennis topped by Georgia Tech

Despite a strong doubles outing in which the Sun Devil Women's Tennis team upset two ranked Georgia Tech pairs, the Devils were unable to overcome the Yellow Jackets, taking their first loss of the dual season and dropping their overall record to 3-1. The Sun Devils fell 4-2 in the outing.

Doubles play got off to a rocky start as sisters Nadia Abdala and Laila Abdala were defeated by Christy Striplin and Noelle Hickey 8-3, but it wasn't long before the Devils rallied back for victory as the unstoppable duo of Micaela Hein and Kelcy McKenna upset No. 4 Amanda McDowell and Irina Falconi 8-3. The Devils onslaught continued as Ali Van Horne and Michelle Brycki overcame No. 46 Viet Ha Ngo and Sasha Krupina 9-7.

The Yellow Jackets would have their revenge in singles play, as No. 23 Irina Falconi put away Nadia Abdala 6-0, 6-1 and Viet Ha Ngo defeated Ashlee Brown 6-2, 6-2. The highlight of the day saw third ranked Kelcy McKenna blast reigning NCAA Champion No. 11 Amanda McDowell.

The Devils return to action Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 as they do battle with Cal State Northridge at 1:30 pm. MT in Tempe at ASU's Whiteman Tennis Center.

Doubles

1. Micaela Hein/Kelcy McKenna (ASU) def. #4 Amanda McDowell/Irina Falconi (GT) 8-3

2. Christy Striplin/Noelle Hickey (GT) def. Nadia Abdala/Laila Abdala (ASU) 8-3

3. Ali Van Horne/Michelle Brycki (ASU) def. #46 Viet Ha Ngo/Sasha Krupina (GT) 9-7

Singles

1. #3 Kelcy McKenna (ASU) def. #11 Amanda McDowell (GT) 6-2, 6-4

2. #23 Irina Falconi (GT) def. Nadia Abdala (ASU) 6-0, 6-1

3. #27 Christy Striplin (GT) vs. Micaela Hein (ASU) 7-6, unfinished

4. #57 Noelle Hickey (GT) def. Laila Abdala (ASU) 6-2, 6-3

5. Sasha Krupina (GT) def. Sianna Simmons (ASU) 6-1, 6-4

6. Viet Ha Ngo (GT) def. Ashlee Brown (ASU) 6-2, 6-2