The College showed no fear last week as both the men and women’s tennis teams went on the road for two meets apiece. The men had no problem picking up 7-2 wins against St. Lawrence University and Hobart College. The women’s team were even more dominant in their two wins as the Lions shutout both St. Lawrence University and William Smith College 9-0.
It was business as usual for the No. 23 nationally ranked women, who defeated the talented St. Lawrence University and William Smith College programs by scores of 9-0.
“We have a very talented group,” head coach Scott Dicheck said on how the women were able to dominate after such a long time off. “At practice the team sees great competition just by playing each other.”
Senior captains Jackie Shtemberg and Stefanie Haar led the way with two singles match victories. Shtemberg also collected a pair of doubles match wins.
“Both Jackie and Stefanie played very well,” Dicheck said. “It’s especially tough on a double-header when the other teams are only playing one match.”
Doubles partners freshmen Karisse Bendijo and Allison Tierney and the pairing of sophomore Emily Petersack and fresman Lauren Balsamo both produced two doubles victories. All four also won two singles matches apiece.
Sophomore Felice Trinh and freshman Paige Aiello also aided in doubles matches to Shtemberg, Trinh against St. Lawrence and Aiello versus William Smith.
“The team played great,” Dicheck said. “It was a long day and to perform as well as we did was a great sign, very encouraging to see.”
With a couple of 7-2 victories over St. Lawrence University and Hobart College, the men improved their season record to 6-3.
“We have a very young team,” Dicheck said, “and it’s been so far so good at this point in the season.”
The doubles partnership of junior captain Jonathan Yu and sophomore Dan Lee produced two victories on the weekend. Yu and Lee also won two singles matches each.
Sophomore captain Steve Fernandez also put on a show. As well as being victorious in two singles matches, he was also part of a pair of doubles wins while teaming up with his brother Stewart.
Freshman Keith Goldstein won both of his singles bouts and fellow freshman Dean Thompson also added a singles win. Thompson also teamed up with freshman T.J. Riley for doubles match victory.
“This weekend was very big for the men,” Dicheck said. “They had to win both matches to keep their shot at the NCAA Championships alive and they did, and they are very excited.”
The men will have the week off, while the women have three upcoming meets. First the team travels to Johns Hopkins University tomorrow for a 3:30 p.m. meet. The College then returns home on Saturday April 3 for a 11 a.m. meet against Skidmore College and a meet against New York University on Tuesday April 6 at 3:30 p.m.
