Smith Tennis defeated Curry College 8-1 in a decisive win in their opening season match on February 22 at the Indoor Track and Tennis Facility at Smith. The match day began with the tradition of the playing of the national anthem prior to play but there was something very special about the presentation. An a cappella rendition of the national anthem was presented by Margaret Anne Smith, a member of the Smith Tennis Team. Her clear beautiful voice rang through the large indoor facility as all stood silently. She set the tone for the day and reminded us all of the many talents possessed by Smith students. It was a gift that all those in attendance appreciated and will never forget!
The Pioneers seemed full of positive energy and enthusiasm and you could feel the electricity in the air as "match day" began. The third doubles team of Seema Samawi, senior from Syria paired up with Baddriyyah Alsbah, one of the newest team members of the team hailing from Kuwait, to claim the first point for Smith. The two had a clean sweep 8-0 victory finishing their match in record time. Margaret Anne Smith, sophomore from Spring Lake NJ, and Samantha Peikes, first year from West Hartford, CT, continued the trend with an 8-3 win at 1 doubles. The two, playing first doubles, complimented each other as they roll angled returns, power blocked shots and dominated the net in aggressive style. Number 2 doubles was not as fortunate as senior captain, Ruth Yi, rolled her ankle in the ninth game giving Curry their only point and forcing Aleaxandra Steck and Ruth to retire their match.
Christine Yee, sophomore from South San Francisco, started a trend in the singles wins at number 5 with a 6-0, 6-0 victory. Jordan Dubin, senior co-captain from Southampton NY, at 2 singles, Samantha Peikes at 3 singles, Margaret Anne at 4 singles followed suit with 6-0, 6-0 victories as well. Kelli Cheung, sophomore from Plainfield NJ, took charge in her first set with a 6-0 win but found herself in a battle for the second set where she had to rely on patience and persistence to claim the second set victory 7-5. Katie Hazen rounded out the varsity singles line-up with a 6-1, 6-1 win giving the Pioneers a 1-0 start to the spring season. In exhibition play, Breanna Parker, first year from Iowa and new to Smith Tennis, left her winning mark with a 6-0, 6-1 victory. It was a great start to the season!
The 6am practices continue as the team will prepare for an away match against Bates this coming Saturday, February 28.
