HOUSTON -- Irina Sotnikova defeated nationally-ranked Julie Chao in the number one singles to give Sam Houston State its lone point in a 6-1 loss at Rice Friday.

Sotnikova came from a set down to defeat Chao 2-6 6-2 6-3. Chao is ranked 97th in the NCAA Division I women's national rankings. Sotnikova also paired with Peta Taylor for an 8-5 victory in the number one doubles pro set. The Owls took the doubles point with victories at two and three.

 Patti Manzur went to a super tiebreaker at number five singles before falling to Emily Braid  6-4, 3-6, 1-0 (10-8)

Tennis Match Results
Sam Houston State vs Rice
Feb 22, 2008 at Houston, TX

Rice 6, Sam Houston State 1

 Singles competition
1. Irina Sotnikova (SHSU) def. Julie Chao (RICE) 2-6, 6-2, 6-3
2. Dominique Karas (RICE) def. Nora Kuruc (SHSU) 6-1, 7-6
3. Tiffany Lee (RICE) def. Peta Taylor (SHSU) 6-3, 6-2
4. Rebecca Lin (RICE) def. Stasa Vujosevic (SHSU) 6-2, 6-1
5. Emily Braid (RICE) def. Patricia Manzur (SHSU) 6-4, 3-6, 1-0 (10-8)
6. Varsha Shiva-Shankar (RICE) def. Roxana Martinez (SHSU) 6-1, 6-2

 Doubles competition
1. Irina Sotnikova/Peta Taylor (SHSU) def. Julie Chao/Dominique Karas (RICE) 8-5
2. Tiffany Lee/Rebecca Lin (RICE) def. Nora Kuruc/Stasa Vujosevic (SHSU) 8-0
3. Emily Braid/Varsha Shiva-Shankar (RICE) def. Patricia Manzur/Lilit Martierosyan (SHSU) 8-2

Match Notes:
Sam Houston State 1-8
Rice 8-4