CLAREMONT, CA – Coming off one of the most exciting matches in program history, the Ephs could not get past their rival Amherst College in the NCAA Semifinals, as the Lord Jeffs prevailed by a score of 5-1. The Ephs end their season with a record of 17-8, while Amherst improves to 35-1 on the year.
This match marked the third time Williams had met Amherst this season. Amherst got the better of the Ephs in the regular season by a score of 4-5, then again in the NESCAC Finals by a score for 5-0. Once again, Amherst proved why they are considered to be the top team in the country as they used a strong singles performance to earn the win.
Coach Dan Greenberg commented after the match, "They are an unbelievable team and it would have taken a miracle to beat them today. I'm just really proud of my guys for how hard they fought out there this evening."
After doubles, the Ephs trailed by a score of 1-2. Capturing the sole win for the Ephs was the tandem of Kevin Shallcross and Will Petrie who pulled out a hard fought victory at third doubles.
Moving to singles, the Lord Jeffs benefitted from very strong performances out of their top three players to secure the match. Leading the way for Amherst was Luis Rattenhuber at #1 who bested sophomore Felix Sun 6-2, 6-2.
Although their matches went unfinished, Zach Weiss, Bryan Chow, and Dylan Page were in the midst of three tight contest at the four, five, and six spots, respectively. Chow, the hero from the Quarterfinal match with C-M-S had moved into the third set with Wes Waterman of Amherst. Additionally, Zach Weiss took the first set from Joey Fritz, 7-5.
While the Ephs did not advance to the NCAA Finals, they have a lot to look forward to. This season marked the first time they reached the NCAA Final Four since 2006 and, without any seniors on their roster, they return the entire team for the 2011-2012 campaign.
"This was an awesome season," said Greenberg "last night's victory over Claremont was huge for this program. We are going to keeps are heads up and look forward to tomorrow's 3rd place match with Wash. U."
The Ephs and the Bears of Washington University will begin play at 5pm ET tomorrow afternoon.
Doubles
#1 Luis Rattenhuber/Austin Chafetz (Amherst) d. Bryan Chow/Matt Michell (Williams) 8-4
#2 Wes Waterman/Moritz Koenig (Amherst) d. Felix Sun/Trey Meyer (Williams) 8-4
#3 Will Petrie/Kevin Shallcross (Williams) d. Mark Kahan/Chris Dale (Amherst) 8-4
Singles
#1 Luis Rattenhuber (Amherst) d. Felix Sun (Williams) 6-2, 6-2
#2 Mark Kahan (Amherst) d. Matt Michell (Williams) 6-4, 6-1
#3 Austin Chafetz (Amherst) d. Trey Meyer (Williams) 6-3, 6-1
#4 Joey Fritz (Amherst) vs. Zach Weiss (Williams) DNF
#5 Wes Waterman (Amherst) vs. Bryan Chow (Williams) DNF
#6 Andrew Jung (Amherst) vs. Dylan Page (Williams) DNF
Order of Finish: Doubles: 3, 1, 2; Singles: 2, 1, 3
