Williamstown, MA - The Ephs faced off against the Middlebury Panthers ranked 6th nationally this afternoon on a warm spring day for their only match this weekend. Back on their home courts, the Ephs showed up with a ton of energy and fight. After several long battles and nail-biting matches, the Ephs came out on top defeating Middlebury 6-3.
Head Coach Anik Cepeda reflects, "The coaches couldn't be prouder of this group and how hard they fought today. This was a full team win. They found a way to rise above their nerves in doubles and come out on top 2-1 and then four singles matches went to three sets. That is steely!!"
The intensity of the day immediately descended upon the players as the doubles round began. Number two doubles team
Jane Ladaga and Ananya Aggarwal were bouncing and cheering between each point as they worked through the match. Thanks to Aggarwal's clever shots and consistency and Lagada's impressive net game, they found the win 8-5. Number one doubles team
Katherine Orgielewicz and Yuu Ishikawa played an extremely close match, coming down to the wire in a set tiebreak. Both players closed the net and put immense pressure on their opponents, taking the match 8-7(5).
With a hard won 2-1 lead, the Ephs were fired up for the singles matches and a team win on the horizon. Number one Orgielewicz took care of business today, soundly defeating her opponent 6-3, 6-1. Number three
Mia Thomann came out of the gate swinging and took her first set 6-4. Despite her opponent's comeback in the second set, Thomann stayed cool under pressure and won the third, giving the Ephs another point in their favor.
Number four Aggarwal also had a close match. Despite losing the first set, Aggarwal did not drop a game in the second set, taking it in a crisp 6-0. In the end, the third set did not swing her way, but her incredible fight inspired her teammates to keep going for every point. Number two Ishikawa also dropped the first set, but this did not deter her, and the sophomore quickly dismantled her opposition, taking the next two sets 6-1, 6-3.
Number six
Maya Jamroz played a very competitive match, taking as long as the other three set matches, playing long, grinding games and intense rallies. Ultimately, Jamroz lost to her Panther opponent, but her grit and fight were echoed in her teammates' cheers as they lined up to watch the last singles match. Number five
Jane Ladaga played the ultimate three setter. She took the first set in a close set tiebreak, and barely lost the second set 7-5. Never stepping off the gas, Ladaga ripped each ball and fearlessly came to the net, earning her the third set 6-4 and the team win as well.
Cepeda adds, "There are too many shout outs to fit in a single write up. We'll keep working hard on our competitive games in preparation for our trip to Maine. Go Ephs!"
The Ephs look forward to their next match on April 15th at Bowdoin College.
Complete Results:
Williams College def. Middlebury College (Midd)
6-3
Doubles:
Katherine Orgielewicz /
Yuu Ishikawa (Williams) def. S. Raman / L. Wu (Midd)
8-7(5)
Jane Ladaga /
Ananya Aggarwal (Williams) def. A. Delman / B. La Barge (Midd)
8-5
C. Miller / N. Farhat (Midd) def.
Maya Jamroz /
Mia Thomann (Williams)
8-4
Singles:
Katherine Orgielewicz (Williams) def. S. Raman (Midd)
6-3, 6-1
Yuu Ishikawa (Williams) def. N. van der Reis (Midd)
4-6, 6-1, 6-3
Mia Thomann (Williams) def. L. Wu (Midd)
6-4, 2-6, 6-2
C. Miller (Midd) def.
Ananya Aggarwal (Williams)
6-4, 0-6, 6-4
Jane Ladaga (Williams) def. G. Huang (Midd)
7-6(6), 5-7, 6-4
A. Frank (Midd) def.
Maya Jamroz (Williams)
6-4, 6-3
