ELSAH, IL - The Principia Women's Tennis team showed growth in their matches against two tough opponents on Saturday. In the morning, the women played Webster University - last year's SLIAC champions.
The competition started slow for the Panthers as they were not able to pull out a win in any of their doubles matches. The team struggled with their returns as keeping the ball away from the poaching aggressive net players proved difficult. At first doubles, Gomez and Quintero were ahead with a service break and a hold of serve, but were not able to continue their aggressive play and lost 8-6. At third doubles, Hummell and Carlson fell behind 7-3, then rebounded to try to force a tiebreaker, but ultimately lost the match 8-6.
Principia turned things around in singles vs Webster with three resounding wins.
Camila Gomez defeated Webster's #1 and the reigning SLIAC Player of the Year, 6-3, 6-1 in a decisive display of powerful forehands. At #2 singles,
Gaby Quintero hit deep forcing ground strokes off both sides and defeated her opponent, 6-1, 6-1.
Kelsie Huss, #4 singles and one of our captains, won her match, 6-2, 6-2 with crafty shots off both sides, keeping her opponent off balance with short balls and deft lobbing.
Veronica Volkart, #3 singles, won the first set of her match with strong ground strokes, but lost the second with uneven play. In the third set tie-breaker, there were some amazing rallies, but the Webster #3 was able to pull out a 10-7 win.
Since this was a scrimmage between conference opponents, the two teams played a few extra matches. Principia got its 4
th win against Webster at #7 singles with
Emma Franklin displaying her steady ground strokes and earning a straight set win, 6-3, 6-3.
FULL WEBSTER MATCH RESULTS
In the Panthers' second match of the day against Division II Lindenwood University, the women competed well and made some adjustments in their games that will benefit them throughout the season. It was a tough test for Principia, and even though the scores were lopsided, each player came off the court with a resilient spirit and knew they had given their best.
FULL LINDENWOOD MATCH RESULTS
Up Next: The team is looking forward to their next match is Saturday, February 19
th at home against Division III Hendrix College. Come out and see us play at 10 am in Hexberg! We would love the support!
