Elsah, IL—In their first home match in the new Hexberg tennis venue, the women's team played with patience the match against Webster. Principia won the opening doubles with aggressive returns from the #1 duo,
Paige Cooley and
Caitlin Carney. In deft play by
Gracie Buchanan and
Nathalie DeLoach, Principia's #2 duo, the Panthers took at 2-0 lead. The third doubles was a battle with both teams moving ahead but at the end of the match, Principia #3 team,
Anh Vu and
Brittany Duke, were not able to hold off the steady play from Webster.
At the start of the singles play, Principia led the match 2-1.
Brittany Duke, #6 singles, took the first match.
Paige Cooley, #1 singles, blasted her groundstrokes from the baseline hitting her spots and moving her opponent around the court. Principia was up 4-1 and needed one more match.
The other 4 singles matches were all close and both teams were gritty in their play.
Nathalie DeLoach lost to her opponent in match with very long points. Many were over 50 ball rallies.
Anh Vu, #5 singles, placed her shots well but was not accurate in closing out the points and lost to her opponent.
Gracie Buchanan, #2 singles, was down 4-1 in the first set and came back to tie it but was not able to finish.
Caitlin Carney, #3 singles, was Principia's deciding point and she battled well. She hit steadily from the baseline but was able to close out many points at the net. The match was decided in a second set tie-breaker. Complete match scores are below.
Principia plays at home on Saturday at 10 AM against Greenville. It is Senior Day! Come out and support the team and help to honor our 3 graduating seniors.
