San Diego, California — In a challenging match with Point Loma Nazarene University, a Division II program, the Williams College Ephs were defeated 4-1. The match format was 'play to clinch', meaning not all individual matches were completed.
In doubles, the Ephs competed fiercely against the Sea Lions. At the #3 doubles spot, Margaux Molyneux and Mia Thomann concluded first, losing 6-1. On the bright side, Yuu Ishikawa and Jane Ladaga excelled at #1 doubles, securing a 6-3 victory and maintaining their perfect 6-0 record for the spring season. The #2 doubles match featured Mia Roets and Julia Zhang, who after a hard-fought game and a key break to lead 4-3, narrowly losing 6-4.
After dropping the doubles point, the Ephs came out firing but faced tough opponents on all 6 courts. At #3 singles, Molyneux battled in a close match, with both players holding their serves, yet she eventually fell 6-4, 6-3. Thomann, playing #4 singles, started strong but was ultimately defeated. At the top spot, Yuu Ishikawa showcased her skills, decisively winning 6-2, 6-3 against a very talented opponent. Julia Zhang, at #2, also took an early lead in the first set, but ultimately fell. Since this match was to be played to clinch, with the overall match score being 4-1, the Sea Lions took the dual match.
On courts #5 and #6, Mia Roets and Ahn Lin were battling hard against two very consistent players. Despite Roets dropping the first set 7-5, she did not let her opponent use this momentum going into the second set, extending each and every point. When the match was clinched, she was at 3-2 in the second. Lin, after a tough first set loss, adjusted brilliantly to take the second set 6-4, just as the match was being clinched.
Eph head oach Anik Cepeda reflected on the match, stating, "We bounced back from doubles with a lot of conviction, which was exciting. I think there's still a significant step for us to take on the battling front. We need to show more poise and embrace the challenge, especially when things aren't going our way, or our opponents are playing well. And to be competitive with the remainder of our conference season, we'll need to commit to doing that on all 6 courts from start to finish."
The Ephs now return to Williamstown for another two matches this weekend as they conclude their spring break schedule. They will take on NYU on Saturday, April 5th at 10 AM.
