After a strong performance at the Princeton Invitational this weekend, the women’s tennis team had a warm homecoming Wednesday. The Bulldogs (4-2, 0-0) defeated Seton Hall by a 7-0 score on the Cullman Courts.
Although four of the team’s top players sat out because of injuries, the Bulldogs gave one of their most promising performances of the season.
“It’s reassuring to see this kind of win,” head coach Meghan McMahon said. “The match was a great confidence booster, and it shows that we are very deep as a team.”
Andrea Goldberg ’02 led the team with a victory over Seton Hall’s Kylie Lassalle in the No. 1 singles position 6-1, 6-1. Goldberg lost the first game quickly, but then swept the next six games to win the set. The next set was even more one-sided, as she had several aces and moved aggressively to the net. Lassalle struggled and simply could not match Goldberg’s athleticism.
On the adjacent court, Susie Hiniker ’02 quickly routed the competition at the No. 3 spot. Her two-set victory came in 40 minutes, whereas most singles matches take between one and two hours.
“I wanted to win quickly and not waste time on the court,” Hiniker said. “I was in a very positive mindset, and I stayed focused.”
In the No. 2 and 4 positions, Margaret Purcell ’04 and Elizabeth Oosterhuis ’02 also claimed easy two-set victories. Both players dominated their matches, and Oosterhuis shut out her opponent 6-0, 6-0.
But the Pirates provided more of a challenge in the doubles matches. The Bulldogs lost the No. 1 doubles, but received the doubles point after winning the No. 2 and 3 double matches.
Twin sisters Karlyn and Ashley Martin ’04 slammed their opponents in an 8-0 victory in the No. 3 doubles.
“We’re playing well,” Karlyn Martin said. “We were being more aggressive, which created opportunities to win points. It helps get us going to finish the points.”
The team has next week off before traveling to San Diego for spring break. While in California, the team will play several tough dual matches and compete in the San Diego Invitational. McMahon said she expects to have three of her injured players back and ready to compete in time for the spring trip.
Once Biffy Kaufman ’03, Meagan Caldwell ’04 and captain Lauren Muehl ’01 return to action, they will strengthen the Bulldogs’ lineup as they take on top-25 competition in California.
Although the trip will mean two-a-day workouts and difficult matches, the team is looking forward to starting the outdoor season.
“I’m excited to play outside, and we get to play good West coast teams,” Goldberg said. “We workout a lot, but it’s great to be in the sun.”