Sept. 14, 2002

FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason swept doubles to earn the doubles point, then claimed straight set victories in the first four singles matches for a 5-2 victory over North Carolina A&T to open its 2002-03 dual season. The Patriots are now 1-0 on the year.

Senior Dinali DeSilva (Negombo, Sri Lanka) won 6-3, 6-3 at No. 1 singles, while freshman Jenn Dektas (Maineville, OH/Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy) claimed a 6-0, 6-0 sweep at No. 2. Also in the victory column were freshmen Kelly Melichar (Burke, VA/Lake Braddock) and Jill Collins (Fairfax, VA/Robinson) at No. 5 and No. 6 respectively.

Sophomores Suzan Tugberk (Fairfax, VA/Hilton Head Preparatory) and Katie Sloper (Alexandria, VA/Bishop Ireton) combined for an 8-4 win at No. 2 doubles, contributing to the team point for Mason. Sloper was challenged in her match at No. 4 singles, falling in three sets 7-6, 2-6, (7-10).

George Mason takes a week off before competing in the D.C. Metro Championships, Sept. 26-29, at Georgetown.

GEORGE MASON 5, NORTH CAROLINA A&T 2
(at GMU Tennis Courts, 9/14/02)
Singles
#1 Dinali DeSilva (GM) d. Johnson 6-3, 6-3
#2 Jenn Dektas (GM) d. Platt 6-0 6-0
#3 Jackson d. Suzan Tugberk (GM) 6-4, 6-4
#4 Mayham d. Katie Sloper (GM) 6-7, 6-2, (10-7)
#5 Kelly Melichar (GM) d. Ross 6-1, 6-0
#6 Jill Collins (GM) d. Huntley-Cooper 6-2, 6-2

Doubles
#1 DeSilva/Dektas (GM) d. Johnson/Platt 8-1
#2 Tugberk/Sloper (GM) d. Jackson/Mayham 8-4
#3 Melichar/Collins (GM) d. Andrews/Huntley-Cooper 8-3