HUNTSVILLE, TX ? Paty Manzur came from a set down to win the number five singles 1-6 6-4 6-0 to provide the winning point as the Sam Houston State women's tennis team defeated Montana State 5-2 for the Kats' first dual match victory of the 2009 season.

Manzur also paired with Eleonora Kuruc to win the number three doubles pro set 8-7. Sam Houston won all three pro sets to win the doubles point.

Irina Sotnikova also had to win in three sets to remain undefeated at number one singles this season. The senior defeated Stephanie Jasper 6-0 6-7 6-4.

Freshman Giorgia Pozzan beat Missy Harris 6-2 6-2 at number two and senior Peta Taylor won 6-4 6-1 over Laura Villegas at number three.

Montana State's points came from Ali Griffin with a 6-2 6-2 victory over Kuruc at number four and Lisa Clark who defeated Lilit Martirosyan at six 6-2 6-2.

“It's good to pick up our first dual match win of the year, particularly reversing the drubbing Montana State gave us last year,” SHSU head coach Jim Giachino said. “Montana State is a quality, well-coached team. I was proud of our intensity today.”

Sam Houston State plays host to Louisiana-Monroe at the McAdams Tennis Courts on campus Sunday at 12 noon.

Tennis Match Results

Montana State vs Sam Houston State

Feb 06, 2009 at Huntsville, TX

Sam Houston State 5, Montana State 2

Doubles competition

1. Irina Sotnikova/Peta Taylor (SHSU) def. Missy Harris/Ali Griffin (MSU) 8-2

2. Giorgia Pozzan/Stasa Vujosevic (SHSU) def. McKenzie Hilmer/Stephanie Jasper (MSU) 8-4

3. Eleonora Kuruc/Paty Manzur (SHSU) def. Andrea De La Torre/Laura Villegas (MSU) 8-7 (2-0)

 Singles competition

1. Irina Sotnikova (SHSU) def. Stephanie Jasper (MSU) 6-0, 6-7 (2-7), 6-4

2. Giorgia Pozzan (SHSU) def. Missy Harris (MSU) 6-2, 6-2

3. Peta Taylor (SHSU) def. Laura Villegas (MSU) 6-4, 6-1

4. Ali Griffin (MSU) def. Eleonora Kuruc (SHSU) 6-2, 6-2

5. Paty Manzur (SHSU) def. McKenzie Hilmer (MSU) 1-6, 6-4, 6-0

6. Lisa Clark (MSU) def. Lilit Martirosyan (SHSU) 6-2, 6-2