Laura Gioia Named TIAA-CREF Student-Athlete of the Week

March 7, 2007

Spartanburg, S.C. - The Southern Conference named Furman women's tennis player Laura Gioia as the TIAA-CREF Southern Conference Student-Athlete of the Week for the week of March 7.

Gioia earned two more singles wins last week to improve her spring record to 8-1 overall. Playing at the top spot in the lineup, the sophomore has won seven straight matches. Gioia defeated UNLV's Elena Gantcheva 3-6, 6-2, 6-1, and helped the Lady Paladins to a 5-2 victory over Boston College with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Lana Krasnopolsky. She also paired with Natasa Manojlovic for a flight one doubles victory over Boston College.

A native of Tampa, Fla., Gioia boasts a 3.75 GPA and is a pre-med major.

Gioia and the Lady Paladins open Southern Conference action this weekend when they host the Elon Phoenix on Saturday, March 10 at 1 p.m.