Ephs Down Continentals 9-0

Williamstown, MA - The Ephs faced Hamilton in their first match of Senior Weekend. They set the tone immediately in doubles with high energy and focus, sweeping all three doubles matches. This momentum followed the Ephs into singles, and they defeated the Continentals with an overall score 9-0. Head Coach Anik Cepeda reflects, "It was really windy today, but they did a nice job figuring things out and staying positive."

Number three doubles and freshmen Annabelle Siegel and Mia Thomann came out of the gate with confidence, taking an early 5-2 lead. Number one Katherine Orgielewicz and Yuu Ishikawa and their number two teammates Ananya Aggarwal and Jane Ladaga were both close behind with 3-2 leads. Ladaga and Aggarwal had been practicing some new formations and strategies on the doubles court during practice this week, and this match allowed them the opportunity to step up and use them to their advantage. Number three Siegel and Thomann raced to an 8-2 win, while number one and two quickly joined them with clinical 8-4 wins. This was Siegel and Thomann's second time playing together this season, and they are starting to feel more confident with each other and utilizing their strengths. 

Up 3-0 overall, the Ephs did not step off the gas, and increased the pressure in singles. Number one Orgielewicz and number two Ishikawa had no trouble securing both their first sets 6-2. Ishikawa used the momentum to her advantage, winning the second set 6-1. Orgielewicz's opponent stepped up her game in the second set, but the Eph stayed calm and won 6-4. Her opponent had been getting some close match wins off a lot of number 1 ranked players, but Orgielewicz gave her no chance to do the same to her. 

Number three Thomann and number six Ladaga rolled through both their first sets 6-3, and they both won their second sets 6-0. Ladaga was also able to go through her opponent by using her opponent's lobs into the wind as an opportunity to move into the net and close the point there.  Thomann found her game to be hard to play in the wind, as she hits the ball with incredible speed and power. However, she quickly adapted to the wind and found a way to battle it out on the court, and hit against the wind. Once she began to accelerate through the ball, she found it easier to take advantage of the court. 

Despite tougher first sets, Aggarwal and Siegel pulled through 7-5 and 6-4 respectively. While the first set was a tough one to close for Aggarwal because her opponent was able to use the wind to her advantage and spin the ball out of control, Aggarwal increased her level in the second set and won comfortably 6-3. Siegel similarly felt more confident with a first set win under her belt and sailed smoothly to a 6-2 second set and match win. This was her second match back as a freshman, and without a doubt Siegel is finding her place on court and getting into her groove. 

Cepeda adds, "We're rolling into post season soon and this adaptable and challenge-loving mindset is key. We're looking forward to a battle against Amherst tomorrow on senior day." The Ephs look forward to playing Amherst tomorrow at 10am on their home courts for their last match before Williams will host the NESCAC Tournament April 28-30.

Complete Results:
Williams College def. Hamilton College 
9-0

Doubles:
Katherine Orgielewicz / Yuu Ishikawa (Williams) def Hannah Apsey / Lauren Holtzman (Hamilton)
    8-4
Jane Ladaga / Ananya Aggarwal (Williams) def. Shannon Cicero / Hannah Walpole (Hamilton)
    8-4
Annabelle Siegel / Mia Thomann (Williams) def. Stephanie Pratt / Ally Turtledove (Hamilton)
    8-2
    
Singles:
Katherine Orgielewicz (Williams) def Hannah Apsey (Hamilton)
    6-2, 6-4
Yuu Ishikawa (Williams) def. Lauren Holtzman (Hamilton)
    6-2, 6-1
Mia Thomann (Williams) def. Stephanie Pratt (Hamilton)
    6-3, 6-0
Ananya Aggarwal (Williams) def. Shannon Cicero (Hamilton)
    7-5, 6-3
Annabelle Siegel (Williams) def. Hannah Walpole (Hamilton)
    6-4, 6-2
Jane Ladaga (Williams) def. Claire Cutler (Hamilton)
    6-3, 6-0