Smith College Tennis

Smith  vs Mount Holyoke                

score:  7-2

Through impending darkness the tennis match at South Hadley between rivals Smith and Mount Holyoke was finally decided.  Smith started out strong by a taking a 2-1 lead in the doubles.  It was Smith’s best showing to date in doubles.  Thundering into the singles, it looked like Smith would post an early win but MHC had other ideas.  The Lyons, led by Sophomore Andrea Lubold, fought hard and hung onto every point.

Ruth Linz and Cami Whitney were the first two singles winners off the court for Smith posting decisive victories.  Shana Seidenberg earned a MHC win leaving the score at 4-2 for the next hour and a half.  Lauren Kemp from Smith and Andrea Lubold battled their way into a third set that ended up indoors.  Joanna Wong, a first year from Smith and Melissa Kasheta (04) of MHC pounded ground strokes back and forth and eventually moved to the indoor courts. 

The elusive fifth point was finally secured in a tight 6-1, 7-6 (7-5) match at second singles by Ashley Kilgore (05) from Smith over Jessica Resnick (05) of MHC.  The match was completed on the outdoor courts as the twilight slipped into darkness.  The overall score was then 5-2.  Both three setters that were moved indoors went Smith’s way making the final match score a close and competitive 7-2 for Smith. 

The Pioneers avenged last years 1-8 loss in exciting match with long time valley rival.  .  Katy Walker (05, Smith), who is overcoming an injury, watched from the sideline and commented that Smith had to be patient and persistent in order to win the match.  She believed that the Pioneers showed good judgment on court and made good use of strategy.   Smith is home on Saturday, October 5 against Wheaton College at 12n.

Congratulations, also, to all those who played the exhibition positions.  Mariel Elguero posted a doubles win paired with Ashley Green at number 4 doubles in addition to her singles victory.  Sarah Meacham and Katy Walker rolled over the number 5 MHC doubles pair and Maija Welton had a close three set loss at the number 8 singles position.