JACKSONVILLE, IL – With only four players available in the lineup on Saturday, the Principia Women's Tennis team had to begin their Illinois College match down 0-3. Forced to forfeit #3 doubles, #5 singles, and #6 singles, the Panthers would have to win five out of their six matches to come away victorious.
Winning both doubles matches to start the day proved be crucial. Playing together for the first time, freshman Philena Kuester teamed up with senior captain Kelsie Huss at #2 doubles and dominated their opponents with steady play, deft lobs, and crisp volleys. The Lady Blues were singing the blues, not knowing what to expect from this dynamic duo.
At #1 doubles, Bissola Lassissi and Kimbeley Peterson started out slowly as each had a difficult time holding serve. However, the pair rebounded nicely and built a 7-4 lead within a game of winning the match. Their opponents rallied to break on a drop shot winner off a service let (new to all of NCAA tennis is the rule where service lets are played out as a point and not replayed). At 7-6, Lassissi was able to hold serve for the win on a point that saw each player at their best – a long rally of baseline and reflex volleys before the Panthers were able to hit a ball out of reach of their scrambling opponents.
Going into singles, the score was now 2-3, and Principia would have to win three of the four remaining matches. Huss played her steady game at #2 and defeated her opponent without dropping a game. At #1, Lassissi hit strong serves and overpowering ground strokes to defeat her opponent 6-1, 6-2. Peterson played a strategic game at #3, moving her opponent around the court and hitting down the line approach shots off weak replies. Peterson's 6-3, 6-3 win secured the match for the Panthers.
At #4, Kuester was locked in a battle with most points lasting more that 10 hits. After losing the first set 6-4, Kuester played impeccably and did not lose a game in the second set. In the deciding 10 point super tie-breaker, the players started off shot for shot tied at 3-3. However, the Illinois College player then locked down her game, drove through the ball, and did not make another error to win 10-5.
It was a great win for Principia coming out on top with only four players, but the work this season is only beginning, and the Panthers will have lots to improve on as the year progresses.
Up Next: Come out and support the team against Lewis & Clark on Saturday, September 24th at 10:00 am for their only home match of fall season!
