Johnson/Zawacki Knock Off Top Seed In Riviera All-American

Oct. 9, 2003

PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIF. - For the first time since 1999, the top-seeded doubles team in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Riviera All-American was upset on Thursday as Duke's 18th-ranked tandem of Amanda Johnson and Tory Zawacki knocked off Stanford's top-ranked duo at the Riviera Tennis Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif.

The tandem of Johnson/Zawacki jumped out to a 4-1 advantage early and went on to win 8-5 over Lauren Barnikow and Erin Burdette of Stanford and will next take on sixth-ranked Jessica Rush and Christelle Grier of Northwestern on Friday. The win is Johnson/Zawacki's fourth in a row on the week.

"Amanda and Tory play real well together," said Duke Head Coach Jamie Ashworth. "They got off to a good start going up 4-1 and that helped their confidence level early. With them doing well this week, it is an overall confidence builder for our very young team."

In singles action, ninth-ranked Johnson was upset by 23rd-ranked Julie Smekodub of Tulane, 5-7, 5-7. A Bettendorf, Iowa product, Johnson was seeded eighth in the tournament and will next play in the consolation bracket on Friday.

- d - u - k - e -