Ithaca College Women’s Tennis Dominates Drew, Eyes TCNJ Challenge
MADISON, N.J. – The Ithaca College women’s tennis team continued its impressive start to the season with a decisive 6-1 victory over Drew University on Friday. The Bombers, now 3-0, are poised for a Saturday matchup against The College of Fresh Jersey (TCNJ).
Doubles Power Sets the Tone
Ithaca quickly established control by securing the doubles point. The pairing of Ava Casell-Lapetina and Madeleine Sutro triumphed 6-2 at the No. 1 position, while Martina Nicora and Kyra Terman delivered a 6-1 win at No. 3 doubles.
Singles Sweep Seals the Victory
The momentum carried into singles play, with Ithaca claiming victories in five of the six matches. Alys Pop led the charge with a commanding 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 1 singles. Sutro battled to a 7-6(8-6), 6-2 victory and Casell-Lapetina secured a 6-1, 6-1 win at No. 3.
Ekaterina Kelly, returning to the lineup, added a 7-5, 6-1 win, and Kyra Terman completed the scoring with a 6-1, 6-3 victory at No. 5 singles.
Looking Ahead: Ithaca at TCNJ
Ithaca will face TCNJ on Saturday, February 14, at 10:00 AM. This match represents a key early-season test for the Bombers as they continue their pursuit of a strong season.
The Rising Trend of Collegiate Tennis Competition
The Ithaca College women’s tennis team’s success reflects a broader trend of increasing competitiveness in collegiate athletics. More student-athletes are participating in tennis at the collegiate level, driving up the overall skill and intensity of matches.
Increased Participation and Skill Development
Nationally, participation in collegiate tennis has seen steady growth. This is fueled by increased access to training facilities and coaching, particularly at the junior level. Players are entering college programs with more refined skills and a stronger competitive background.
The Importance of Doubles Play
As demonstrated in Ithaca’s victory, doubles play remains a crucial component of collegiate tennis success. Teams are increasingly focusing on developing strong doubles pairings, recognizing that securing the doubles point can provide a significant psychological advantage.
Strategic Lineup Construction
Coaches are employing more strategic lineup construction, carefully considering player matchups and strengths. The ability to adapt and adjust the lineup based on opponent weaknesses is becoming increasingly crucial.
FAQ
Q: Where is the Ithaca College women’s tennis team playing next?
A: They are playing at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) on Saturday, February 14.
Q: What was the final score of the match against Drew University?
A: Ithaca College won 6-1.
Q: Who won at No. 1 singles for Ithaca College?
A: Alys Pop won at No. 1 singles.
Q: What time does the match at TCNJ begin?
A: The match begins at 10:00 AM.
Did you recognize? Collegiate tennis programs often prioritize academic excellence alongside athletic achievement, fostering well-rounded student-athletes.
Stay updated on Ithaca College Women’s Tennis by visiting the official athletics website.
