WILLIAMSTOWN, MA. - After a hard-fought victory against
archrival Amherst last weekend, the Williams women's tennis
team was one win away from claiming their first Little Three title
since the 2006 season. The Ephs easily took care of business
this morning, handing Wesleyan an 8-1 loss to garner the 17th
Little Three title for the program in the past 30 years.
"Winning the Little Three is fantastic," said Williams head coach
Alison Swain. "We're excited to have the title come home on our
home courts."
Although Swain chose to mix up a lineup that has proven successful
thus far in the season, the squad had no difficulty adjusting to
the changes. Taking a 2-1 advantage heading into singles
play, the Williams singles lineup had no mercy for their Wesleyan
counterparts and swept all six matches in straight sets.
"Wesleyan had an aggressive game style," continued Swain.
"They [Wesleyan] forced us to be on our game and take the
offensive early on in points."
The Ephs responded to the aggressive style with ease. Grace
Baljon, playing at #1 singles for the first time this season,
defeated her opponent in a 6-2, 6-2 result. Allie Rottkamp
and Katrina Ferrera, at courts three and six respectively, had
impressive matches as each player only gave up one game to
Wesleyan.
Williams is now 12-2 on the season, and has started conference play
with a 3-0 record. Wesleyan falls to 9-6 overall, and 3-3 in
the NESCAC.
The Ephs continue their weekend play at home tomorrow against
Connecticut College at 10 a.m.
Williams 8, Wesleyan 1
Doubles:
1) Cary Gibson/Annie Schneidman (WC) def. Madelina Ursu/Anika
Fischer (Wes) ---
8-6
2) Nikki Reich/Annie Hancock (WC) def. Alexandra Sirois/Linda
McDougal (Wes) ---
8-1
3) Ania Preneta/Elizabeth Collector (Wes) def. Jane Kelley/Genny
Loomis (WC) ---
8-4
Singles:
1) Grace Baljon (WC) def. Preneta (Wes) --- 6-2, 6-2
2) Ashley Parsons (WC) def. Fischer (Wes) --- 6-2, 6-1
3) Allie Rottkamp (WC) def. Meredith Holmes (Wes) --- 6-0, 6-1
4) Hancock (WC) def. Casey Simchik (Wes) --- 6-1, 6-1
5) Katie Friedman (WC) def. McDougal (Wes) --- 6-3, 6-4
6) Katrina Ferrera (WC) def. Sirois (Wes) --- 6-1, 6-0
