BOX SCORE

Wilkes-Barre, PA (October 15, 2006) - The DeSales University women's tennis team fell just short in its attempt to repeat as the Freedom Conference champions falling to the top seed Wilkes University, 5-2, on Sunday afternoon.

     The Bulldogs finish its team season with a 13-4 overall record which sets a new single season record for wins in season.  Wilkes (16-0 overall) earns the Freedom Conferences first-ever automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament which will take place in the Spring.

     The Bulldogs had an early 1-0 lead when juniors Courtney McClurkin (Collegeville, PA/Spring-Ford) and Mary Kate McElvaney (Philadelphia, PA/St. Hubert) defeated Xiaoqiao Zhang and Katie Buckley, 8-0.

     The Colonels took the next two doubles matches to take a 2-1 lead before sophomore Caitlin Gerlach (Oak Ridge, NJ/West Milford) earned the first singles point with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Jotanna O'Connell at the No. 5 spot.

     Wilkes however won the next three singles matches at the No. 2, 3 and 4 spots to earn the necessary five points and take home the conference title for the first time.

     DeSales will return to action next weekend as the Bulldogs will compete in the MASCAC Individual Tournament being held at Lehigh University on Saturday and Sunday.