Williamstown, MA –
The top two teams in the nation
from last season met today in Williamstown. Last May,
Williams defeated Amherst in the NCAA finals to take the
title. Today, the Lord Jeffs enacted a measure
of revenge, beating the Ephs on the road 6-3.
The rivals split in competition last year,
with each team winning a pair of matches.
Amherst claimed a 5-4 victory to capture the NESCAC tournament
title, but Williams avenged that loss with a 5-2 victory to secure
the national title. Williams seemed to carry that momentum into the
teams' only meeting of the fall, taking an early lead in the
match, winning at first and second doubles, but managed only one
win in singles play when sophomore Kristin Alotta won her match at
second singles.
Head Coach Allison Swain was quick to
complement the Jeffs: “That's the best I've ever
seen them pl
ay in singles. They
certainly avenged their loss from last
season.” Despite the disappointment that
comes from falling to a bitter rival, Swain was able to find a few
positives on the day: “It's been a bit of a challenge
looking for areas where we can improve. The loss
should give us motivation and help us refocus to raise our game to
the next level.” Swain mentioned shot patterns
and strategy as key areas to improve on.
The Ephs return to action tomorrow as they
host Wellesley College at 2 PM.
Doubles:
1. Grace Baljon/Taylor French(W) def. Brittney Berckes/Laura
Danzig(A) 9-8(3)
2. Nikki Reich/Kristin Alotta(W) def. Anuja Ankola/Jennifer
Ouyang(A) 8-1
3. Lucy Marchese/Nancy Worley(W) lost to Jill
Wexler/Caroline Richman(A) 8-4
Singles
1. Brittney Berckes(A) def. Grace Baljon(W) 3-6 6-3 7-6(4)
2. Kristin Alotta (W) def. Jill Wexler(A) 6-3 6-1
3. C. King(A) def. Nikki Reich (A) 6-1 5-7 6-2
4. Laura Danzig def. Lucy Marchese (W) 6-4 6-1
5. L. King (A) def Nancy Worley(W) 6-4 6-3
6. Caroline Richman(A) def. Ashley Parsons(W) 6-4 6-3
