For Immediate Release – 3/7/17 - #228
Randolph Ends Trip In Agonizing Fashion
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC – The Randolph College women's tennis team ended its spring break trip on Tuesday against the University of Mount Union. The match was tight the whole way through, but the Purple Raiders earned the narrow 5-4 victory.
The 'Cats used the same doubles pairings that debuted on Sunday, and the teams looked strong in the tight competitions. Keyu Jin and Aubrey Hawn were pushed in the top spot, but showed great composure, pulling out an 8-6 victory. Jenna Sweet and Ashley Schmitz were in for a battle as well, but the WildCats gave up one less game on the way to a victory. Samantha Dickerson and Lauren Appel were not as fortunate. The third pairing exchanged games with the Purple Raiders, but dropped the match, 8-6.
Randolph looked good going into singles up 2-1. Unfortunately, heart break set in soon after. Dickerson had the easiest time in singles at the six spot. She won 6-3, 6-3 convincingly. Schmitz also only needed two sets to win at number four, but it was much closer. She needed seven games each set, and was forced into a tiebreak in the second. However, she outworked her opponent for the two-set win. Appel played well but dropped her match 6-3, 6-3.
The 'Cats needed only one win in the top-three spots to take the match, however it was cruel to all three players. Jin pushed the MU player in the first, falling 7-5, and came back in a back and forth set number two. She won that 6-4, setting up a super-tiebreak. Jin battled, but fell 10-7.
Hawn dropped her first set as well, but answered strongly in the second. She won 6-3, and set up another super-tiebreak. But like her doubles partner, she would fall as well.
Sweet played a tough first set at number three. She moved on to the second set with a 6-4 win. Her opponent responded to take set number two, setting up yet another super-tiebreak. The players exchanged points throughout, going over the necessary 10 for the win. Sweet kept it close, but she fell 11-9, giving the Purple Raiders the victory.
Randolph (3-2 overall) will have 10 days off before its next match. The WildCats will travel to Hollins University on Friday, March 17 for a 3 p.m. match.
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