LEWISTON, Maine – The Bates women's tennis team secured its first NESCAC victory of the season in dominant fashion, defeating Connecticut College 6-1 on Saturday afternoon at Merrill Gymnasium.
The Bobcats (2-5, 1-1 NESCAC) controlled play from the outset, sweeping all three doubles matches before winning five of six singles contests to claim the decisive win over the Camels (0-3, 0-3 NESCAC).
Bates set the tone early in doubles, capturing all three match-ups in commanding fashion. The duo of
Isabella Saul and
Iris Westmoreland wasted no time at the No. 1 spot, shutting out Connecticut College's Evin Cosar and Maya Kowalska, 6-0. At No. 2 doubles,
Olivia Gidlow and
Elise Hepburn secured a quick 6-1 victory over Caitlin Cass and Mary Ella Prendergast. The Bobcats completed the sweep with another 6-1 win at No. 3 doubles, as
Ava Lyon and
Lizzie Frekko overpowered Sana Bhat and Asahi Goods
At No. 1 singles, Westmoreland delivered a strong performance, defeating Cass 6-2, 6-3 to extend Bates' lead. Elise Hepburn provided a hard-fought point at No. 3 singles, edging Lily Kerachsky in a marathon match, 6-7 (6-8), 6-2, 1-0 (10-6).
The Bobcats added to their tally at No. 4 and No. 5 singles. Gidlow picked up a 6-7 (4-7), 6-1, 6-4 win over Cosar at No. 4, while Frekko closed out a straight-set win at No. 5, topping Prendergast 7-5, 6-1. Lyon clinched the match with an impressive comeback victory of 5-7, 7-5, 6-1 over Goods at No. 6.
Connecticut College's lone point came at No. 2 singles, where Kowalska edged out Saul in a tight battle, 2-6, 7-6 (9-7), 1-0 (10-8).
Bates will return to the court on Friday with a 4:00 p.m. non-conference home match vs. Smith.
