Fordham Women’s Tennis Falls to Yale, But Shows Early Season Promise
New Haven, Conn. – The Fordham Rams women’s tennis team faced a tough test on Sunday, falling 4-1 to Yale University at the Cullman-Heyman Tennis Center. While the loss stings, the match revealed key strengths and areas for growth as the Rams navigate the early stages of their season.
Doubles Play: A Bright Spot for Fordham
Fordham demonstrated early dominance in doubles competition, securing the doubles point with victories from the pairings of Valerija Kargina and Lily Chitambar (6-4 over Huang and Ha) and Paola Dalmonico and Catalina Padilla (6-2 over Aggarwal and Werdiger). This early lead showcased strong teamwork and strategic play, a positive sign for Head Coach Mike Stamberger.
Doubles play is often a momentum-setter in collegiate tennis. Winning two out of three matches indicates a solid foundation in partnership and court awareness. According to the United States Tennis Association (USTA), doubles strategy is increasingly emphasized in college recruiting, making this Fordham strength particularly valuable.
Singles Struggles and Competitive Matches
Despite the strong start, Yale rallied in singles play, winning four of the completed matches. Orly Ogilvy defeated Nevena Kolarevic (6-4, 6-4), while Leena Friedman bested Valerija Kargina (6-3, 6-2). Shyla Aggarwal also secured a win for Yale against Aya Matsunaga (6-2, 6-2), and Angela Huang defeated Lily Chitambar (6-3, 6-2).
The unfinished matches offered glimpses of resilience. Paola Dalmonico battled fiercely against Julia Werdiger, taking the first set 7-5 before the match went unfinished. Julianne Nguyen also showed promise in her unfinished match against Rachel Lee, leading 6-4 in the first set and tied 3-3 in the second.
What This Means for Fordham’s Season
This match highlights a common challenge for teams early in the season: translating doubles success into singles victories. The Rams’ doubles performance suggests a strong tactical understanding and collaborative spirit. However, the singles results indicate a need for increased consistency and mental fortitude in individual play.
Pro Tip: Focusing on individualized training plans that address specific weaknesses in singles play – such as improving first-serve percentage or enhancing net play – can significantly boost performance. Many successful college tennis programs utilize sports psychology to help players manage pressure and maintain focus during matches.
Looking Ahead: Temple University on the Horizon
Fordham will look to rebound quickly as they host Temple University on February 6th at the Cary Leeds Center. This home court advantage will be crucial as the Rams aim to build on their doubles success and improve their singles performance. Temple, a fellow Atlantic 10 competitor, presents an important early-season test.
Did You Know?
The Cary Leeds Center, Fordham’s home tennis facility, underwent significant renovations in 2023, including the addition of new courts and improved spectator seating. This investment demonstrates Fordham’s commitment to its tennis program.
FAQ: Fordham Women’s Tennis
Q: Where can I find the full Fordham Women’s Tennis schedule?
A: You can find the complete schedule on the Fordham Athletics website.
Q: How can I support the Fordham Women’s Tennis team?
A: You can attend home matches, follow the team on social media, and consider making a donation to the Fordham Athletics program.
Q: What is the significance of the doubles point in college tennis?
A: Winning the doubles point often provides a psychological advantage and can set the tone for the singles matches. It’s considered a crucial early win.
Q: What are some key areas for improvement for the Fordham team?
A: Consistency in singles play, particularly in closing out sets and maintaining focus under pressure, will be key for the Rams’ success.
Want to stay up-to-date on all Fordham Athletics news? Visit the official Fordham Sports website for the latest scores, schedules, and team information. Don’t forget to follow the Rams on social media for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes access!
