Women's Tennis | 9/2/2017 8:16:00 PM
ALFRED, NY – Hartwick women's tennis not only tabbed a 6-3 victory to open its season but did so in conference action against Alfred on the road Saturday afternoon. In a new look lineup for the Hawks, 'Wick used two doubles victories and four singles wins to open 1-0 while Alfred starts 0-1 on the year.
Senior duo
Heidi Rice (Canandaigua, NY/Marcus Whitman) and
Kelli Ryan (Plattsburgh, NY/Seton Catholic) had their debut together at number one singles. The pair's chemistry was immediate, quickly putting their opponents away, 8-1.
Seniors
Kelly Napolitano (Mt. Sinai, NY/Mt. Sinai) and
Jaclyn LaSita (Wading River, NY/Shoreham-Wading River) also debuted as a pairing at the number two spot. With LaSita playing off the baseline and Napolitano positioned by the net, the duo complimented each other well disallowing any scoring from their opponents, 8-0.
Freshman
Kylie Sullivan (Camden, NY/Camden Senior) and junior
Sofie Brennan (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) teamed together at number three doubles. Also their first time playing together, the two started to find their rhythm as the match progressed. Unfortunately, the Saxons proved too much for their budding chemistry and claimed third doubles, 8-1.
In the singles portion of the afternoon, Rice made quick work of her opponent at number one. Rice dictated play early and showed speed on the court, rarely letting a ball get by her to claim a 6-2, 6-0 victory.
At number two, Napolitano went up early with a 5-2 lead in the first set. Her opponent battled back to make it 5-4. Napolitano then had the chance to serve out the set. She rose to the occasion and held at love to win the set. From there she cruised to win the second set 6-1.
The deciding match was in the number three position. Ryan played a tough opponent, but she dictated play early, looking for chances to come to net and finish the point. Her aggressive style of play paid off giving her a 6-2, 6-2 win.
LaSita, at number four, fell in the first set 6-1. She recovered, pulling out a 6-4 second set victory in a back and forth affair. In forcing the third set, LaSita went up early, 7-2, before her opponent battled back to make it 7-5. She continued to show her tenacity, closing out the set and the match to give the Hawks their final win of the day, giving them the 6-3 victory.
Hartwick will look to win its second match of the season, first at home, against Utica, September 6. First serve is set for 4 p.m.
