Ephs Sweep Bates Bobcats 9-0

Bennington VT- Following a gritty win against the Tufts Jumbos yesterday, the Ephs notched another impressive win against the Bates Bobcats. This victory, their second clean sweep of the spring season, came despite the challenge of missing 2 players due to illness, showcasing the depth and spirit of this young team.

In doubles, the Ephs set the tone for the match by getting off to a quick 3-0 lead. New pairings were introduced, all of which found success. The sophomore duo of Jane Ladaga and Annabelle Siegel tackled the challenge of facing a formidable #1 doubles team with strategy and skill. Siegel's powerful baseline shots combined with Ladaga's clean net play led them to an 8-3 victory. Similarly, Yuu Ishikawa and Ahn Lin applied strategic pressure by controlling the net, securing another win with the same scoreline of 8-3 at #2 doubles. Despite initially going down 0-2, Ananya Aggarwal and Margaux Molyneux mounted an impressive comeback at #3, sweeping the next 8 games to clinch their match 8-2.

While happy with their performance so far, the Ephs stayed focused on the challenges to come in singles. Molyneux's serve seemed untouchable today, dominating her opponent at #5 singles with a quick 6-0, 6-1 victory. Annabelle Siegel, playing #2 singles, demonstrated skill and composure to secure a 6-3, 6-3 win against a promising Bates freshman. Yuu Ishikawa encountered a seasoned and resilient opponent at the top singles spot. Although she lost the first set 1-6, no late arriving fans would have known as she dominated the next two sets 6-2, 6-2. Ananya Aggarwal, consistent and confident at #4 singles, also added to the tally with a 6-2, 6-2 win, effectively moving her opponent all across the court. Julia Zhang showcased remarkable tenacity at #6 singles, saving eight match points in a dramatic comeback to win 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (9). Similarly, Jane Ladaga was pushed to 3 sets at #3 singles, Ladaga captured a tight first set, and despite a second-set loss, her unwavering determination led her to victory, 7-5, 3-6, 10-7.

The day concluded with positive remarks from Eph head coach Cepeda, who commented, "We switched some things up today and the squad responded really well, especially in doubles. The coaches are proud of everyone for stepping up! We'll get to work on our outdoor tennis this week in preparation for our matches in California." Williams Women's Tennis departs on Friday night for the California sunshine and will face Whitman College on 3/18 to start off their spring break campaign. 

Results: 
Doubles: 
1. Jane Ladaga/Annabelle Siegel vs. Ally Friedman/Iris Westmoreland 8-3
2. Yuu Ishikawa/Ahn Lin vs. Bella Saul/Julia Anderson 8-3
3. Ananya Aggarwal/Margaux Molyneux vs. Elizabeth Frekko/Ava Lyon 8-3

Singles:
1. Yuu Ishikawa vs. Ally Friedman 1-6, 6-2, 6-2
2. Annabelle Siegel vs. Julia Anderson 6-3, 6-3
3. Jane Ladaga vs. Iris Westmoreland 7-5, 6-3, 10-7
4. Ananya Aggarwal vs. Bella Saul 6-2, 6-2
5. Margaux Molyneux vs. Elizabeth Frekko 6-0, 6-1
6. Julia Zhang vs. Ava Lyon 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(9)