Polar Bears Defeat Ephs 6-3

BRUNSWICK, ME – With just four matches remaining before the NESCAC Championships begin on May 6^th, the Ephs squared off in an away match against the Bowdoin College Polar Bears on Saturday, taking a loss 6-3. This is the first loss to Bowdoin in 29 matches, dating back to 1994-95 when the series began.

"Bowdoin competed really well today," said head coach Alison Swain. "I was impressed with how well they closed out matches and kept pushing us from start to finish."

In doubles, the Polar Bears mounted comebacks in all three matches for the sweep and the 3-0 lead. Ephs team Julia Cancio '18 and Hannah Atkinson  '17 were overcome to start the day, losing to Bowdoin's Kyra Silitch and Tess Trinka, also a sophomore-junior pair, by a score 8-5. Juli Raventos '18 and Linda Shin '17 as well as Maya Hart '16 and Giulia McDonnel Nieto del Rio '18 were also defeated in close matches, 8-6 and 9-7, respectively.

Williams battled back in singles, starting with Hannah Atkinson. After losing the first set 6-4, she won the next two 6-2, 6-3. Bowdoin followed with a victory over Leah Bush '19 to get within one win of determination. Mia Gancayco '18 and Cancio, after losing first sets in both of their matches, managed to win the next two sets and secure victories to bring the score on the day to 4-3. Bowdoin sealed the win with a victory over Shin, 6-4, 7-6(6). Raventos fell in her singles match to bring the final score to 6-3.  

"Losses are always tough, but we will focus on the lessons we can take into our last regular season matches this weekend and next," concluded Swain.

The Ephs are now 13-3 on the year, and 4-1 in conference. All three losses came in the spring season.

The remainder of the schedule is away as well, with a match against Bates on Sunday the 24^th, and matches against Babson and Tufts on Saturday the 30^th. NESCAC Championships begin on May 6^th, and will take place at Bates College.