AMHERST-- The #3 Williams women's tennis team advanced past #5 Bowdoin to earn a spot in the NESCAC title match Sunday.
Williams led 2-1 after doubles play thanks to wins from their number one and two teams. Maria Pylypiv and Kathleen Elkins won their proset 8-5 at number two, and Kara Shoemaker and Rebecca Curran pulled through in a tiebreak to give the Ephs the lead going into singles.
Williams earned three straight set singles victories to close out the Polar Bears. Elkins won 6-2, 6-2 at number two, Worley 6-1, 6-3 at number four, and Pylypiv 6-3, 6-2 at number five. The match was played to decision, but Williams was up a set in two of the remaining three positions when the match ended.
"The entire team competed with a lot of determination today," said head coach Alison Swain, "We were solid from start to finish which made the difference against a very strong Bowdoin team."
Williams will play the winner of Middlebury and Amherst in tomorrow's final, both of whom have beaten the Ephs this spring.
Singles competition
1. Kara Shoemaker (WILLIAMS) vs. Kellen Alberstone (BOW) 6-2, unfinished
2. Kathleen Elkins (WILLIAMS) def. Chantalle Lavertu (BOW) 6-2, 6-2
3. Rebecca Curran (WILLIAMS) vs. Tiffany Cheng (BOW) 5-7, unfinished
4. Nancy Worley (WILLIAMS) def. Kate Winingham (BOW) 6-1, 6-3
5. Maria Pylypiv (WILLIAMS) def. Emma Lewis (BOW) 6-3, 6-2
6. Alex Stone (WILLIAMS) vs. Emma Chow (BOW) 6-3, unfinished
Doubles competition
1. Kara Shoemaker/Rebecca Curran (WILLIAMS) def. Tiffany Cheng/Emma Chow (BOW) 9-8 (8-6)
2. Maria Pylypiv/Kathleen Elkins (WILLIAMS) def. Chantalle Lavertu/Kellen Alberstone (BOW) 8-5
3. Kate Winingham/Emma Lewis (BOW) def. Nancy Worley/Veranika Li (WILLIAMS) 8-3
