WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
>> Saint Francis women's tennis was unable to mount an upset against NCAA host team Virginia in the first round of the women's NCAA tournament, falling by a score of 4-0 on Saturday afternoon in Charlottesville, Va.
>> The Red Flash was making its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament after winning its first NEC Championship three weeks ago.
TURNING POINT OF THE GAME
The Cavaliers won the doubles point by taking the No. 1 and 2 doubles matches. Virginia then won at No. 5 and No. 4 singles needing one more win to secure the match. It came down to No. 1 and 2 singles to earn the win and No. 2 singles was able to finish before No. 1 singles to end the match.
FLASH MOMENTS
While taking on the No. 7-seeded Cavaliers was a tall order, the Red Flash gladly accepted the challenge. In their afternoon matchup with Virginia, Saint Francis won 22 games. By far, the most exciting contest was on court one. Although the match was abandoned after Virginia clinched victory with four points, freshman Gabriela Almanza pushed her opponent to the limit, leading 4-2 in the second set before the match concluded.
FLASH QUOTES
"I feel great about how the girls played. It's been an incredible couple of days here in Charlottesville. This facility is unbelievable, and to compete with some of the biggest teams in the ACC or Big Ten, like a blue-blood program such as Virginia, it's definitely a different speed. But our girls truly did an outstanding job, which I'm not shocked by given the way they've competed all season long. They simply did another great job today." - head coach Eric Hovan on the match
"Gabby being up in the second set like that while playing the highest UTR girl on the Virginia team, I'm honestly impressed with all the girls, but I think she did especially well." - Hovan on Almanza's play
FLASH NUGGETS
The Red Flash won its first NEC Tournament with a 4-0 win against FDU to avenge its loss to the Knghts last season in the Flash's first trip to the league's championship game.
The match marked the end of the legendary career of Kelly Dowouna, who leaves as the program's all-time leader in singles, doubles and career wins.
Freshman Helena Lynn finished her freshman campaign 28-12, with the 28 wins being a single-season program record.
Saint Francis ended its season with 16 wins for the second straight campaign.
