Ephs Sweep Doubles, Defeat Colby Mules 6-1

CLAREMONT, CA --- The Ephs won an important NESCAC matchup today against the Colby Mules (5-2 overall, 2-2 NESCAC) today at Pomona College to start off their Spring Break trip. After setting the tone with a doubles sweep, Williams put on an excellent performance in singles to win 6-1 overall.

At number one doubles, senior Yuu Ishikawa and Jane Ladaga paired together again after their successful debut last weekend. With excellent serves and volleys, they extended their win streak to three with a dominant 6-2 performance. At number two doubles, freshman Mia Roets and sophomore Julia Zhang paired together for the first time this season. Roets' serve and Zhang's forehand helped them to a 6-3 win after winning some key deuce points. At three doubles, the pair of junior Mia Thomann and sophomore Margaux Molyneux were neck and neck with their hard-hitting opponents. Down 6-5, some key points sent the match to a tiebreak. After falling behind 3-0, the pair reset and claimed the next five points for a 5-3 lead. Two clutch volleys saw them close the match out 7-6 (5). The pair thus earned their third win in a row and have yet to drop a set this season. Williams has now taken the doubles point in 4 of 5 matches so far this season.

With the doubles point secured, the Ephs set their sights on singles to close out the match. While her match started off close, Molyneux used her powerful serves and huge hitting from the baseline to close out the first set and roll in the second for a 6-4 6-1 win at #3. At #2, Zhang started off the match strong with a 5-0 lead. As both players adjusted to the conditions, she won two key deuce points down 4-3 in the second to take the lead and close out the match 6-2, 6-4. The Ephs now had a commanding 3-0 lead.

At #6, sophomore Ahn Lin made her singles debut this season. Showing mental resilience and steadiness from the baseline, she held strong when down 5-4 and 5-6, eventually taking a tight 8-6 set tiebreak. Using her heavy backhand and excellent volleys, she closed out the second set 6-2, clinching the dual match for the Ephs. At #5, Roets continued her run of good form. Consistently finding her forehand, she stayed patient from the back and came in when possible, earning a 6-3 6-4 win and her third singles win in a row.

At line #4, Thomann faced a crafty and consistent opponent, resulting in a matchup full of long, grueling battles. While she competed for every point, she fell 7-5 6-4. The Ephs then gathered to cheer on Ishikawa at #1 singles. Ishikawa had struggled initially, falling behind 5-2. However, some excellent play saw her take the next two games in a back-and-forth battle. Despite losing the first set, Ishikawa turned the tables in the second, using her forehand to dictate points and closing well with volleys. The third set started much the same, with Ishikawa taking a 4-1 lead. However, her opponent rallied, taking the match to a tight 4-3, deuce point. As the crowd watched with bated breath, Ishikawa constructed a beautiful point and put away a volley to take a 5-3 lead and the match, 4-6 6-1 6-3.

The Ephs will look to build on this result for the rest of their Spring Break trip and the remainder of season. About the result, Eph head coach Anik Cepeda commented "It was a solid first win out in California. We are moving in the right direction. The motivation and camaraderie are there. We need to keep playing our brand of green light tennis." The Ephs will next face #23 Redlands University at 6pm EST Friday and #5 Pomona College at 12 pm EST on Saturday.
 
Results:
Doubles:
Yuu Ishikawa/Jane Ladaga (WIL) def. Isabella Suk/Waka Aida (COL), 6-2
Julia Zhang/Mia Roets (WIL) def. Jane Finestone/Michaela Landry (COL), 6-3
Margaux Molyneux/Mia Thomann (WIL) def. Amelie Gal/Ella Novion, 7-6 (5)
Order of finish: 1, 2, 3
Singles:
Yuu Ishikawa def. Jade Finestone, 4-6 6-1 6-3
Julia Zhang def. Michaela Landry, 6-2 6-4
Margaux Molyneux def. Ella Novion, 6-4 6-1
Waka Aida def. Mia Thomann, 7-5 6-4
Mia Roets def. Anna Rende, 6-3 6-4
Ahn Lin def. Amelie Gal, 7-6 (6) 6-2
Order of finish: 3, 2, 6, 5, 4, 1