Laura Gioia Recognized as SoCon Player of the Week

March 27, 2007

Spartanburg, S.C. - The Southern Conference announced that Laura Gioia was named the Southern Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Week for the week of March 27. It is the second time this season that the Lady Paladin has garnered the honor.

Gioia improved to 14-2 in dual competition with three more singles victories at the number one position last week. The sophomore opened the week with a 6-1, 6-0 win over Wofford's Merry Ellen Henry in Furman's shutout win over the Terriers. Gioia followed that with a 6-3, 6-4 mark over Ana Spivakovsky of Charlotte to help the Lady Paladins to a 5-2 victory. Finally, Gioia earned her biggest win of the week, defeating 46th-ranked Anastasia Zhukova, 3-6, 6-2, 10-8 in Furman's 6-1 win over the Chattanooga Mocs. The native of Tampa, Fla., also posted a 2-1 record at number one doubles last week with partner Natasa Manojlovic. The duo is now 11-5 in doubles action.

Gioia and the Lady Paladins (8-8, 4-0) look to remain undefeated in SoCon action when they travel to Appalachian State on Wednesday, March 28 at 2:30 p.m.