Women’s Tennis Faces Tough Loss Against Amherst
No. 16 women’s tennis team (1-1, 0-1 NESCAC) faced a challenging defeat against the No. 10 Amherst Mammoths (2-0, 1-0 NESCAC) in a nail-biting 4-3 match last Saturday. Although the Ephs had difficulties in their doubles matches, they managed to secure wins in three singles matches, which ultimately fell short of clinching an overall victory.
Team Resilience and Positivity
Julia Zhang ’27 expressed her pride in the team’s determination despite the loss. “This weekend was tough, but the spirit with which everyone fought was commendable,” she stated. “We led in five out of six singles, just missing out on the win. This outcome will motivate us as we move forward, rather than hinder our progress.”
Doubles Struggles
At the Ludlow Tennis Center in Ludlow, Massachusetts, the doubles matches began with Margaux Molyneux ’27 and co-captain Yuu Ishikawa ’25 facing off against their Mammoth opponents, ultimately losing 6-2. In a closely contested No. 2 doubles match, Mia Roets ’28 and co-captain Jane Ladaga ’26 succumbed to a 6-3 defeat. The No. 3 doubles match saw Mia Thomann ’26 and Ahn Lin ’27 fall swiftly to a score of 6-1.
Uplifting Team Energy
Despite the challenges, Roets remarked on the team’s spirited performance. “One of the highlights of the weekend was the energy we brought,” she said. “Regardless of where we were—on court or cheering from the sidelines—our presence was certainly felt.”
Singles Success
Looking ahead, the singles results indicate a bright future for the Ephs. Although Ishikawa, Ladaga, and Roets in the No. 1, 5, and 6 positions faced defeats, Zhang, Molyneux, and Thomann in the No. 2, 3, and 4 positions each celebrated victory.
Focus on Fundamentals
As the season evolves, Roets is keen on honing her skills. “I aim to concentrate on the foundational aspects that yield significant results,” she explained. “While there are technical areas I intend to improve, mastering the basics is essential, as excellence in tennis stems from simplicity and executing core skills under pressure.”
Boosting Team Spirit
Roets also emphasized her commitment to uplifting her teammates: “Beyond personal goals, I aspire to be a supportive force within the team. I want to cultivate an environment where we thrive together, encourage one another, and make our presence impossible to overlook.”
Aiming for Championships
While losses like the one against the Mammoths can be disheartening, the team remains focused on adding to their impressive record of 10 NCAA Div. III Championships this season.
Upcoming Matches in the Sun
Both Roets and Zhang are excited about the upcoming spring break trip to San Diego and Claremont, California. The Ephs will compete against Colby (2-1, 2-1 NESCAC), the University of Redlands (3-3), Pomona (1-6), and Point Loma Nazarene University (6-2), offering a welcome escape from New England’s less-than-ideal tennis conditions. “We can’t wait to soak up some sun and return to outdoor play,” Zhang noted.
