UNC Back on Track, Breezes By Illini, Herd

After consecutive road losses, No. 13 UNC was trying to regain its form with a pair of weekend matches.

What it got was a breeze.

UNC beat Illinois and Marshall at the Cone-Kenfield Tennis Center, improving to 9-3.

"I'm proud that the team bounced back and responded well all around," said Tar Heel coach Jen Callen. "The players needed to compete well to win. It's really a credit to the players."

Sunday, UNC defeated Marshall 6-1.

In No. 2 singles, Kate Pinchbeck improved her record to 12-0, disposing of Anna Mitina 6-0, 6-2.

"Things just seem to be falling into place," Pinchbeck said. "I've been playing the best tennis of my life."

At No. 4, Aniela Mojzis, started slowly but dominated Joelle Good 6-3, 6-0.

"I had a little hiccup in the beginning," Mojzis said. "I lost my concentration early, but I got it together."

The lone point for Marshall (4-3) came from two close doubles wins, though both UNC pairs fought back from three games down to force tiebreakers.

Saturday saw more of the same as the Tar Heels easily handled the Illini 6-1.

No. 1 seed Marlene Mejia outlasted Jennifer McGaffigan 6-0, 6-7 (7-3), 7-6 (10-8), Pinchbeck cruised 6-1, 6-1 and Kendall Cline rallied in a three-set win.

Eva Choe won the only point for Illinois (7-4), beating Mojzis at No. 4.

UNC swept in doubles, as No. 1 Pinchbeck and Julie Rotondi downed Michelle Webb and Cynthya Goulet 8-3. Mejia and Lee Bairos, at No. 2, and No. 3 Mojzis and Cline both won 8-5.

UNC next travels to Arizona during spring break to take on Purdue, Marquette and No. 8 Arizona State.

"These matches will help," Pinchbeck said. "ASU is really strong. We need to believe in ourselves. This is great for our confidence."

The Sports Editor can be reached at sports.unc.edu.