Ephs Defeat Mules 8-1

Williamstown, MA - The Ephs took on the Mules in the sunny, seventy degree weather this afternoon in Williamstown. After a crisp hour of doubles play and a two and a half hour grind in singles, the Ephs beat the Mules with a clinical 8-1 overall score. Head Coach Anik Cepeda reflects, "This team has been through it all. We had to make some last minute adjustments in singles and the players took it in stride. Something that has really improved from the beginning of the year to now is our ability to problem solve between points and during changeovers and our commitment to playing disciplined aggressive tennis during the important points."

The sun was high in the sky when the doubles pairings began their matches. Number one doubles Erica Ekstrand and Yuu Ishikawa and number three doubles Katherine Orgielewicz and Ananya Aggarwal both took an early lead 3-0. Number three doubles played an unconventional match with four players starting at the baseline. Consistent baseline rallies and aggressive, finishing net play proved successful for the Ephs, and they secured the first point for the Ephs at 8-2. Number one doubles followed shortly after, taking the win at 8-3 after finding their groove at net and putting away lobs. Meanwhile, number two doubles found themselves neck and neck with their opponents, keeping the lead at 4-3. Despite their opponents' fast pace, the Ephs mixed in chips, rips, and lobs to defend a comeback and won 8-5. With a solid 3-0 lead, the Ephs confidently went back on court for singles play. 

Playing in the fifth position, Maxine Ng brought the energy for the Ephs with her vocals and firing feet, fueling her teammates' fire. She hit big forehands and played aggressive tennis to finish at the net, being the first singles win at 7-5, 6-4. Ng gave the Ephs their fourth overall win, and Ishikawa played with conviction to earn the clinch. Her opponent came out with raging fire, but Ishikawa used her skills to silence the other side of the net. She ripped balls and ended points at net with phenomenal volleys, taking the match 6-2, 6-3. Pham and Orgielewicz finished soon after Ishikawa, earning their wins 6-1, 6-3 and 6-3, 6-3. respectively.

Ekstrand had another notable match this afternoon. She played a tricky counter-puncher who liked to throw in lobs, but Ekstrand stayed extremely disciplined with her baseline rips, mid-court swingers, and volleys. She took the first set 7-6, but found herself down 1-4 in the second set. With the other matches coming off, the Ephs packed the court next to Ekstrand to cheer her on with all of their might. Ekstrand soaked in the energy and translated it into her feet and strokes, climbing back game by game to tie it up at 4-4, and ending the match at 7-5. 

Next weekend the NESCAC tournament kicks off. It is yet to be decided where and who the Ephs will play first round, but the team is ready for whatever opponent comes their way. Coach Cepeda says, "Day by day, we're getting better — I'm looking forward to a few productive practices this week in preparation for the NESCAC tournament!"

 
Complete Results:

Williams vs. Colby College: 
Winner & Score

Doubles: 
Erica Ekstrand / Yuu Ishikawa vs. Levitz / Hernandez:
       Williams 8-3
Jenny Tian / Julia Pham vs. Riordan / Landau:
        Williams 8-5
Katherine Orgielewicz / Ananya Aggarwal vs. McClain / Dougherty:
        Williams 8-2

Singles:
Erica Ekstand vs. Levitz: 
        Williams 7-6(4), 7-5
Yuu Ishikawa vs. Riordan: 
        Williams 6-2, 6-3
Katherine Orgielewicz vs. Landau:
        Williams 6-3, 6-3
Max Ng vs. Hernandez:
        Williams 7-5, 6-4
Izzy Santiago vs. Dougherty:
        Colby 6-4, 7-5
Julia Pham vs. Callery: 
        Williams 6-1, 6-3