FLUSHING MEADOWS, NY - The University of Iowa women's tennis team kicked off the weekend in their first day of competition at the USTA Invitational today. The Hawkeyes had a hard-fought first day, posting a 7-8 combined record for the day.

The USTA Invitational is being played at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and has given the Hawkeyes the opportunity to gain experience while playing at what is characterized as the largest public tennis facility in the world. To add to the experience, Iowa sophomore Alexis Dorr played a marathon-match on the infamous Arthur Ashe Stadium Court. After four hours of intense play, Dorr fell to Morgan Frank of Texas A&M 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 6-4.

A highlight for the Hawkeyes today was Lynne Poggensee-Wei's undefeated record. Combining doubles and singles competition, Poggensee-Wei went 3-0. Along with Dorr, Poggensee-Wei defeated Syracuse's Emily Harmon and Chelsea Jones 8-3 in the number one draw doubles competition. Poggensee-Wei went on to defeat Georgie Smyser of Dartmouth 6-3, 6-1 and Binghamton's Jillian Santos 6-4, 6-0 in singles competition.

"The competition was very strong today," said Iowa Head Coach Daryl Greenan. "We had some great matches but unfortunately we lost all four three-set matches that we played. That was a little disappointing but I hope we bounce back and take advantage of some opportunities tomorrow. Overall, I thought the girls competed well today. Our highlights were Lynne (Poggensee-Wei) going 3-0 combined and definitely the match as Arthur Ashe Stadium. It was just an unbelievable college match and unfortunately she came out on the losing end. It has been very exciting to see the national tennis center. We had a lot of tennis today and are looking forward to having a good day tomorrow."

Iowa will continue competition in the USTA Invitational tomorrow at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Doubles competition
1 Draw Jessica Young/Lynne Poggensee-Wei (Iowa) def. Emily Harmon/Chelsea Jones (Syracuse) 8-3
2 Draw Vicki Brooke/Lauren Ritz (Yale) def. Kelcie Klockenga/Ally Majercik (Iowa) 8-2
3 Draw Alexis Dorr/Jennifer Barnes (Iowa) def. Sandra Herrera/Paula Pereira (Winthrop) 8-5

Singles competition
1 Draw
Morgan Frank (Texas A&M) def. Alexis Dorr (Iowa) 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 6-4
Natalia Sanchez (Cornell) def. Alexis Dorr (Iowa) 6-0, 6-3

2 Draw
Lynne Poggensee-Wei (Iowa) def. Georgie Smyser (Dartmouth) 6-3, 6-1
Lynne Poggensee-Wei (Iowa) def. Jillian Santos (Binghamton) 6-4, 6-0

3 Draw
Nicole Stanziola (Columbia) def. Kelcie Klockenga (Iowa) 3-6, 6-0, 6-3
Kelcie Klockenga (Iowa) def. Lindsay Clark (Yale) 6-3, 7-6

4 Draw
Stevi Petrelli (Yale) def. Jessica Young (Iowa) 6-3, 7-5
Samantha Rosekrans (Harvard) def. Jessica Young (Iowa) 6-3, 6-4

5 Draw
Tatiana Ganzha (Purdue) def. Ally Majercik (Iowa) 5-7, 6-2, 7-5
Ally Majercik (Iowa) def. Ksenia Chernyshova (Farleigh Dickinson) 6-3, 6-0

6 Draw
Shayna Miller (Cornell) def. Jennifer Barnes (Iowa) 6-3, 6-7 (1), 6-3
Jennifer Barnes (Iowa) def. Jurelle Mendoza (Army) 6-3, 6-1