Women's Tennis | 9/26/2015 6:39:00 PM
PITTSFORD, NY – The Hartwick Hawks (8-0, 5-0) battled to a 6-3 victory over conference rival St. John Fisher today at Mendon Tennis Center. With today's win the Hawks extend their program record for best start to a season, and begin the Empire 8 Conference 5-0 for the first time in College history. IN addition, the Hawks clinch a spot in the conference tournament for the first time since 2012.
Hartwick found itself behind after doubles competition for the first time this season.
Heidi Rice (Canandaigua, NY/Marcus-Whitman) and
Rose Natoli (Endwell, NY/Maine-Endwell) dominated at first doubles without dropping a game, 8-0.
The Hawks fell behind after
Kelly Napolitano (Mt. Sinai, NY/ Mt. Sinai) and
Anna Van Allsburg (Prides Crossing, MA/Spring Ridge Academy) dropped a close decision at second doubles losing in a tiebreaker 9-8 (7-4).
The Hawks were able to capture five singles matches en route to the comeback victory. Hartwick received convincing wins from Rice at first singles,
Caitlin O'Brien (Glenville, NY/Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) at fifth singles and
Kelli Ryan (Plattsburgh, NY/Seton Catholic) at sixth singles. Ryan remains undefeated on the season.
The clinching victory came from Van Allsburg after she handled Olivia Rotondo, 6-3, 6-3 at fourth singles. Napolitano improved to 8-0 in singles after fighting off Katey Padden at third singles, winning in three tough sets, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
The Hawks look to continue their historic run against crosstown rival SUNY Oneonta on Wednesday at home.
RESULTS DOUBLES Rice/Natoli (HC) defeated Sorrentino/Rotundo (SJF) 8-0
Padden/Seaburg (SJF) defeated Napolitano/Van Alllsburg (HC) 9-8(4)
Pendergast/Fleming (SJF) defeated O'Brien/LaSita (HC) 8-2
SINGLES Heidi Rice (HC) defeated Sarah Sorrentino (SJF) 6-3, 6-0
Amanda Pendergast (SJF) defeated
Rose Natoli (HC) 6-3, 6-4
Kelly Napolitano (HC) defeated Katey Padden (SJF) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3
Anna Van Allsburg (HC) defeated Olivia Rotondo (SJF) 6-3, 6-3
Caitlin O'Brien (HC) defeated Caroline Seaberg (SJF) 6-1, 6-1
Kelli Ryan (HC) defeated Eileen Fleming (SJF) 6-0, 6-3
