ANNAPOLIS, MD – Today, the #14 ranked Ephs faced #13 ranked Georgetown Bulldogs at the U.S. Naval Academy Courts courts. Heading in, the Ephs knew Georgetown was a strong competitor and that it would be a very close match. Ultimately, the Ephs fell by a small margin, losing the match by a score of 5-4.
In the first round of matches, Rhea Pandit started out strong, besting her opponent in a close three games to put the first point on the board for the Ephs. At the same time, Melanie Wang started out strong against her opponent, capturing the first game. Wang lost the momentum against her tough opponent, losing the next three games. Amanda Solecki also lost her match in a hard-fought three games. At the same time, Rachel Miller lost to her opponent in a close five game match. With a nail-biting finish, Miller lost the fifth game bya score of 12-10. Anika Kakarla, playing in the #10 spot, also posted a win for the Ephs.
On court second, Theresa Kay and Naomi Jefferson-Sambanis posted dominant three-game wins over their opponents, adding two points to the board. Captain Nora Brant had a close match, winning the fourth game 13-11 to take the point for the Ephs after coming back from a 10-6 deficit in an impressive showing of resilience. At the same time, first year Christina Yen and sophomore Sophia Koehler put up strong fights, but failed to beat their opponents, both losing in three games.
Ultimately the Ephs lost to Georgetown by a score of 5-4. In their post match meeting, Eph head coach Hesham Aly commented, "I know this wasn't the result we wanted today, but I can truly say that I am proud of how the team played today and how everyone showed up. This match could have gone either way. We have a lot to be proud of, but we will also keep working hard".
The Ephs will have a week of recovery and practice before they take on Coby, Bates and Bowdoin in Mainein a three match weekend.
