Gioia Named TIAA-CREF Student-Athlete of the Week

March 28, 2007

Spartanburg, S.C. - Furman women's tennis player Laura Gioia continued her outstanding play this season and was honored once again by the Southern Conference for her efforts. The SoCon named Gioia TIAA-CREF Student-Athlete of the Week for her excellence on the court and in the classroom.

Gioia, who also garnered Women's Tennis Player of the Week honors yesterday, went 3-0 at number one singles and 2-1 at number one doubles with partner Natasa Manojlovic last week. The native of Tampa, Fla., began the week with a 6-1, 6-0 defeat of Merry Ellen Henry in the Lady Paladins 7-0 win over Wofford on March 21. The following day, Gioia knocked off Charlotte's Ana Spivakovsky, 6-3, 6-4, in a 5-2 Furman win. The sophomore also earned a big 3-6, 6-2, 10-8 victory over 46th-ranked Anastasia Zhukova of Chattanooga.

Gioia boasts 14-2 record in singles action and a 3.75 GPA as a pre-med major. This is the second time this season she has been recognized as TIAA-CREF Student-Athlete of the Week.