Ephs Defeat Jumbos 5-1 in NESCAC Quarterfinal Match

Williamstown, MA - The Ephs took on the Jumbos this morning for their first match of regionals. After taking the lead in doubles, the Ephs fought hard on every court to take out the Jumbos 5-1. Eph Head Coach Anik Cepeda stated, "The coaches are really proud of this team win. The squad has grown a lot this season. What's impressive is that the best is yet to come!"

Number one doubles Katherine Orgielewicz and Yuu Ishikawa found an early break and solidified an early lead at 4-2. Though the Jumbos tried to swing the momentum back their way, the Ephs stayed strong in their formations, with hard, strategic serves and applying pressure at the net. They maintained their edge until the very end, winning 8-6. Number three doubles and first years Mia Thomann and Annabelle Siegel played impressive doubles today, taking an early 2-0 lead. Though the Jumbos tried to even the score and take the lead at 2-2, the Ephs answered with confidence and energy, rolling to an 8-2 win. Although number two doubles lost their match, the Ephs went into the singles round with a 2-1 overall lead. 

In the singles round each match was an epic grind, with each court battling in a different way. Number one senior captain Orgielewicz was all business today, setting an inspirational example for her teammates as she quickly secured her first set 6-2. Number four Siegel followed close behind, also quickly winning her first set 6-2. From the get go, Siegel hit her ball incredibly hard. She played a very fast paced game which put her opponent in many tough situations. 

Despite losing an early lead at 2-1, number three Thomann recovered and asserted herself in her first set, taking it 6-4. Without missing a beat, Siegel began her second set strong, going up 2-0. The momentum of the first set led her to quickly secure a win, allowing her teammates to relax and capitalize on the 3-1 overall lead. 

Number two Ishikawa fought hard to win her first set, always staying in the lead and taking it to a tiebreak which she won clinically 7-0. Number one Orgielewicz also took her opponent to a second set tiebreak and won the fourth point for the Ephs. At number six, Jane Ladaga battled in her first set which also went to a tiebreak, and after her opponent took the second set was still battling for the match. 

Meanwhile, number five Ananya Aggarwal showed impressive grit in her first set as she and her opponent fought to gain the upper hand. Each point was over a twenty ball rally, making the athletic competition incredibly tough. Though Aggarwal had a 2-0 lead, Tufts' Maddie Suk climbed to a 3-2 lead. Aggarwal swung the momentum her way, winning the set 6-4, but struggled to gain an edge in the second set. Thankfully, her teammate Ishikawa at number two was able to clinch and close the match allowing the Ephs to secure the win 5-1. Ishikawa played a tough opponent but found a way to win the match playing her aggressive game, closing in multiple times each point and throughout the match. 

Cepeda added, "With every match they're getting better at trouble-shooting on their own, and learning how to close out games, sets, matches, regardless of nerves or whether or not they're feeling their strokes. I know they're excited to battle against Middlebury tomorrow – the coaches are looking forward to it as well!"

The Ephs play No.1 seed Middlebury in the NESCAC semifinals tomorrow at 9 AM on their home courts. 

Complete Results:
Williams College def. Tufts University 
    5-1

Doubles:
Katherine Orgielewicz / Yuu Ishikawa (Williams) def. Maddie Suk / Rachel Cranley (Tufts)
    8-7(4)
Zoe Kava / Rebecca Lim (Tufts) def. Jane Ladaga / Ananya Aggarwal (Williams) 
    8-4
Annabelle Siegel / Mia Thomann (Williams) def. Lucy Mitchell / Stephanie Woodbury (Tufts)
    8-2
    
Singles:
Katherine Orgielewicz (Williams) def. Rachel Cranley (Tufts)
    6-2, 7-6(6)
Yuu Ishikawa (Williams) def. Sophie Wax (Tufts)
    7-6(0), 6-2
Mia Thomann (Williams) vs.. Zoe Kava (Tufts) 
    6-4, 2-6, 5-4 unf.
Annabelle Siegel (Williams) def. Lucy Mitchell (Tufts)
    6-2, 6-1
Ananya Aggarwal (Williams) vs. Maddie Suk (Tufts)
    6-4, 5-4 unf.
Jane Ladaga (Williams) vs. Rebecca Lim (Tufts)
    7-6(5), 2-6, 1-2 unf.