Feb. 27, 2006
Alcorn State Results
Miss. Valley Results
Alabama State Results
Jackson State Results
Montgomery, Ala. - Alabama A&M finish the weekend at 4-0 at the SWAC East Roundup. The #1 doubles team of Charlene Tsangamwe and Batsi Bvunzawabaya went 4-0, as did the #2 tandem of Shaniek Pinder and Monique Jones. The #3 team of Brittany Woodgett and Kim Hardin finished the round-robin at 2-2. In singles, Charlene Tsangamwe and Monique Jones both went 4-0, while Batsi Bvunzawabaya and Shaniek Pinder finished at 3-1. Newcomers Kim Hardin and Brittany Woodgett finished 2-2.
Some thought that the Lady Bulldogs "backed" into the Division title last year. Three teams, Alabama A&M, Alabama State and Alcorn State left the round-robin with identical 3-1 records. The first level of a tie-break gave the title to the Lady Bulldogs. This year, they left no doubt as they went undefeated at the SWAC East Division Round-robin held at Alabama State University.
"We talked last year about the importance of getting this", commented coach Thomas Colvin. "This is the first step for us to get where we want to be. Right now, I am extremely proud of how the ladies fought for every point in ever game."
In the first of their four matches, A&M matched up against the Lady Braves of Alcorn State. The Lady Bulldogs were able to secure the doubles point behind some solid play from the number 1 and 2 doubles teams. A&M won 4 of the 6 singles en route to a 5-2 win, its first against Alcorn State.
Shaniek Pinder was first off the court at #2 singles with a 6-1, 6-3 win. Monique Jones followed shortly after at #3 singles with a 6-3, 6-4 win. Batsi Bvunzawabaya clinched the 4th point and the win for the Lady Bulldogs at #4 singles when she completed her 6-1, 6-4 win. Charlene Tsangamwe wrapped up the wins by battling back from a nervous 2nd set to win 6-4, 5-7, 6-3.
"While Kim and Brittany didn't get wins in this match, they have both made some great strides, and I really expect them to keep going and get their first wins soon," Colvin said.
In the second match of the day, the Lady Bulldogs did not surrender a single game in blanking the Devilettes of Mississippi Valley State, 7-0.
Day 2 saw the Ladies of A&M match up against the Lady Tigers of Jackson State University. With only 5 rostered players, the Lady Tigers entered the match shorthanded and the Lady Bulldogs took advantage of it. A&M gave up a mere 5 games in the two doubles matches to win the doubles point.
In singles, the Lady Tigers would win 1 point, but the Lady Bulldogs clamped down to take 5 of the 6, giving up a total of 5 games in the process. The Lady Bulldogs faced the host team, a crafty Alabama State, in the fourth and final match. Once again, the Lady Bulldogs got out front behind some very strong doubles play.
In singles, the Lady Hornets were able to get 3 points, but it was not enough as the Lady Bulldogs downed them at 1, 2 and 3 singles to get the 4th point and to take the divisional championship. "I am really pleased at how we are playing right now," commented Colvin. "They are about business on the courts and it is showing. They deserve to be champions and I hope the University community will embrace them as such."
