PHILADEPHIA, PA – For the last match of the season, the Ephs were set to play the Georgetown Hoyas, ranked #16 in the nation, at CSA Team Nationals. The Ephs lost 7-2 to Georgetown playing in the B Division Nationals, named the Kurtz Cup.
First on court was
Naomi Jefferson-Sambanis (#7),
Rhea Pandit (#5), and
Rachel Miller (#3). Jefferson-Sambanis won her match in five tough games, in forty-five total minutes, by cutting off her opponent's tight shots. After being one game up, Miller lost the next three to a difficult opponent. Pandit won the third game of her match, but eventually fell in four games.
Next up was
Sophia Koehler (#1),
Theresa Kay (#4), and
Deena Iqbal (#8). Kay and Koehler both fell in three games against their Hoyas opponents, despite close, tough rallies. Iqbal fell in four long games after winning the first.
Last to play was
Melanie Wang (#2),
Anika Kakarla (#6), and
Nora Brant (#9). Brant was the second win of the day. She won in four games by staying on top of the ball and volleying most shots.
After the match, head coach
Hesham Aly commented, "I believe we had a great season. We had some disappointing results, but also some real turning points for players throughout the season. I am grateful to have worked with the team this year and watch them grow and am excited for what next year holds."
This was the last match of the season, and the Ephs are ready for a well-deserved break. They are already looking forward to next year's season and another year of hard work after some rest!
