The Emory University Women's Tennis program got past Williams College Monday afternoon in a showdown between the top-two ranked teams in Division III on the campus of Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg, VA. The Eagles improve to 6-2 on the year while Williams slips to 5-1.
Despite the 5-4 final score, the match was never in doubt as Emory claimed the first three singles matches following a 2-1 verdict in doubles to clinch the match. The Eagles have now won three straight over the Ephs including a 5-4 decision in last year's national championship match.
"Williams always brings their best effort to compete against us so our matches are very impactful and really help us to learn, grow and improve" exclaimed Head Coach Amy Bryant after the win. "We are excited to continue our season and capitalize on what we learned today."
Emory started strong, taking the first two doubles matches to open with a 2-0 lead. Senior Michelle Satterfield and sophomore Daniela Lopez bested Linda Shin and Mia Gancayco 8-2 at second doubles before senior Katarina Su and junior Bridget Harding upended Hannah Atkinson and Chloe Henderson 8-5 at first doubles. Williams' Julia Cancio and Emily Zhang edged out seniors Paula Castro and Michelle DeMeo at third doubles in a highly contested match, 9-8 (4), to cut the deficit to 2-1 heading into singles.
Harding and Su made quick work of the Ephs to extend the lead to 4-1. Harding defeated Leah Bush 6-2, 6-0 at first singles while Su topped Atkinson 6-1, 6-0 at fourth singles. Lopez then dealt Shin a 6-4, 6-2 defeat at third singles to seal the win for the Eagles.
Emory will be back in action when the calendar flips to April with a pair of dual matches against Division I opponents. The Eagles will take on Coastal Carolina at 3:00 PM on April 1st before facing Charleston Southern on April 2nd at 1:00 PM.