September 23, 2007

ATLANTA, Ga. -- For the first time in the Scott Pennington era, all of the Millsaps women won their first round matches, defeating a pair of players from Rhodes, Sewanee, Centre and Spelman College at the NCAA Southern Regional Championships at Emory University while sophomore Allison Zakaras advanced to the Round of 16 for the second-straight year.

Sophomore Beth Fossen defeated Lacy Ward of Rhodes 8-3, senior Beth Sadler won 8-5 over Derry Roberson, newcomer Lauren Stevenson won 8-0 over Leslie Townsell and Zakaras won 8-1 over Sarah Saneii as all four ladies advanced to the Round of 32.

Zakaras was the only one to make it through to the Round of 16, falling in straight-sets, 6-1, 6-2, to the eventual singles and doubles winner Sabra Rogers of Emory. The sophomore, seeded third in the singles draw, did not lose a set during her six-match championship run.

In doubles action, Zakaras and Stevenson lost to Birmingham-Southern's Carroll/Lambert by an 8-0 score in the first round before bouncing back to defeat Shane/Alexander of Piedmont 8-4. They were later defeated by Tucker/Smith of Methodist 8-4 in the finals of their consolation bracket.

Sadler and Fossen knocked off Brandy Milstead/Amanda Thomley of Huntingdon College by an 8-6 score in the Round of 32 before falling to Emory 8-1 in the Round of 16.

The Majors' first event of the spring is scheduled for Feb. 8 against Piedmont College.