The Etownian >> Sports
Lady Jays split two matches in nonconference play
Thursday April 22 2010
Following a four-match winning streak, the Elizabethtown College women’s tennis record dropped to 12-3 after this Monday’s nonconference loss to Dickinson College. The Red Devils took five of six singles matches and two of three doubles for an overall 7-2 win.“The Dickinson match was tough,” head coach Matt Helsel said. “We had a chance to take first doubles, and a couple of the singles matches could have gone the other way, but I certainly was pleased with how we competed.”
First-year Alena Marani beat out Dickinson’s Leigh Oczkowski 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 at flight five, contributing Etown’s lone singles win.
In doubles, first-years Allison Burkhardt and Madison Pipkin won 8-6 at flight two against Alysia Rodgers and Sarah Lindner. This was also Etown’s only doubles win.
“It was a good experience because they had really strong players in all of their positions,” Burkhardt said. Helsel has been pleased with the team’s successes this season, as well as their behind-the-scenes efforts.
“We have a unique blend in our lineup: two seniors and four first-years,” Helsel said. “At first it took some time for the team to gel, but somewhere along the way it started to fit together pretty well. [The] team is very supportive of each other, pushing each other in practice and helping each other in matches.”
These team dynamics have transferred to the court, allowing the Lady Jays to project a dominating presence against opponents.
“In all of my four years, this [is] one of the deepest teams I have been on,” senior Jess Russell said. “By deep, I mean that [we have] strong players on all six courts, and that’s what it takes to win matches at the college level.”
In last Thursday’s nonconference action against Stevenson University, the Lady Jays soared to a 9-0 victory over the Mustangs. Singles action included three 6-0, 6-0 victories for senior Emily Swarr, Pipkin and first-year Kristi Noecker at flights one, four and five, respectively.
In other singles matches, Russell triumphed 6-1, 6-2 over the Mustang’s Julie Strong at flight two, and Burkhardt defeated Sam Baugher 6-1, 6-0 at flight three. At flight six, sophomore Sarah Poulle beat out Mustang Ashleigh Smith 6-0, 6-2 at flight six, completing Etown’s singles sweep.
The teams of Swarr and Russell, Burkhardt and Pipkin, and Noecker and Poulle completely shut out the Mustangs in doubles play in flights one, two and three, respectively.
The Lady Jays take to the court tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Millersville University, and then will go up against Muhlenberg College next Wednesday at home.
“Sometimes sports can be reduced to the fight or flight reflex; it's a great proving ground for dealing with obstacles,” Helsel said. “We have some tough fights ahead, some good learning opportunities. How will we respond? I'm not sure, but I'm excited to find out and [I’m] so glad to have been along for this journey with these people.”
The Etownian >> Sports