ST. LOUIS, MO -- The University of Houston women's tennis team easily defeated Louisville 5-1 in their first match of the Conference USA Championships on Friday, April 16 in St. Louis, Mo.

The Cougars (9-10) controlled singles play, jumping out to a 5-1 lead making doubles play unnecessary. UH was led by junior Galina Seliounina, the 75th ranked player in the nation as she won a hard fought match 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. The No. 85 ranked player, sophomore Sarah Borwell finished off her opponent in straight sets 6-4, 6-4. Senior Luciane Kelbert rallied to win 5-7, 6-3, 6-1. Sophomore Joanna Cunliffe took care of her opposition 6-3, 6-4. Senior Sarah Bolle had the most impressive showing of the day winning 6-1, 6-2.

Houston next takes on 2nd seed Marquette, who the Cougars defeated 5-4 earlier this season, on Saturday, April 17 at 9 a.m. at the Billiken Tennis Complex in St. Louis, Mo.

Houston 5, UTEP 1
Singles
#1 Galina Seliounina (UH) d. Nadia Karpol (UL) 4-6, 6-4, 6-1
#2 Sarah Borwell (UH) d. Manisha Patel (UL) 6-4, 6-4
#3 Luciane Kelbert (UH) d. Kelly Ford (UL) 5-7, 6-3, 6-1
#4 Joanna Cunliffe (UH) d. Kelly Marie Miller (UL) 6-3, 6-4
#5 Sarah Bolle (UH) d. Kelly Whitler (UL) 6-1, 6-2
#6 Katie McLaughlin (UL) d. Kailey Meisinger (UH) 6-3, 6-3