 |
| Samantha Peikes |
Wellesley defeated Smith Tennis 7-2 in the first conference match of the season on a beautiful day on the first Saturday of Sept in Northampton. It looked to be an all Wellesley tennis match at the start for the Blue as they took an early and deceive 3-0 lead in doubles allowing Smith only 1 individual game in the three matches. The Smith singles players, however, had other ideas as the team regrouped for the second half of the match. Noa Dubin stepped up to the plate at number one singles to dominate Caroline Hsu winning 6-4, 6-4. Noa attacked with every opportunity showing strong groundstrokes off of both sides. Sam Peikes got her opponent's number late in the second set. Sam was in the match from the beginning rallying her way through the first set with confidence and control but the games seemed to add up for Tristan Lorich. In the second set, Sam was able to surprise her opponent by sneaking into net for an occasional put-away volley but it proved to late to clench the victory and Sam lost 1-6, 3-6. Margaret Anne Smith lived up to her reputation of being a tough competitor who will never give up. She outlasted her opponent answering every shot Roseanne Hu threw her way and dug Roseanne's potential winners out to frustrate the Wellesley opponent and sneak out the victory in a three set battle ending at 5-7, 6-3, (10-5). Janan Fugel is best suited to the doubles court with her wiley slices and set-ups but she bravely took on Sojin Ki in a tough singles match. Even with her singles loss, she never lost her smile or her spirit. Joanna Kim joined the team for her first match and showed the Wellesley player some talents that will only get better with more court hours. Joanna has taken time away from the game and we are thrilled that she is back on the court for Smith College. Morgan Barney gave up her doubles passion for the good of the team and battled with Vic Wu to a 2-6, 1-6 loss but not before she put herself on the line by chasing down every ball and being consistent in her play. Annina van Riper competed at third doubles with determination and intelligence. Her game is exciting and growing and you best watch for Annina in the future. Fourth doubles was played by Dana Smith and Faith Flowers. Both have improved immensely in just two weeks and we can't wait to see where they end up. Their enthusiasm for the game and for their teammates is contagious and they are a joy to watch! A special thanks goes to Jimin Lee who was slated to play exhibition but found herself on the sideline due to injuries on the Wellesley squad. Jimin was ever present and supportive throughout and this; of course , makes for a great team.
Smith Tennis will be back in action on Sept 13 against Babson college at Smith. The Sunday match is scheduled to start at 1pm.
We invite you to join us for our Rally for the Cure on Sat Sept 12 from 10-12pm. No sign up is necessary and this is for a great cause. Please come and make a good will donation if possible.
We look forward to seeing you at our courts. Come and cheer. Come and play (passes for use of the Smith outdoor courts have been extended and we welcome your presence)
