Box Score Collegeville, PA - The Ursinus College Women's tennis team continued their recent hot play, sweeping the visiting Bryn Mawr College Owls 9-0 today. With the win, the Bears kept alive their hopes of nabbing a first-ever appearance in the Centennial Conference playoffs.
"It was definitely a good day for us," Coach Pete Smith said. "This has been a critical stretch for us, and I feel like we are playing our best tennis right now, at just the perfect time. It has been a great run, and I hope it isn't over yet. There is still more work to be done."
The Bears (13-6, 4-5 CC) got another great start in doubles. The third flight team of BreAnna Bashaw and Christia Cromwell ran their season record to a sparkling 13-4 with an 8-0 win to start the scoring for Ursinus. The second doubles team of Audrey Whitebloom and Ariel Danziger were not far behind, posting an 8-2 triumph shortly thereafter. The first doubles team of Ashley Nguyen and Aileen Bevard then registered an 8-4 victory, giving the hosts a commanding 3-0 lead in the match.
"The girls and I talk about it all the time, just how critical the doubles portion of the match is. They have really focused on getting us on the board first, and it has paid off this year time and time again. Playing with a lead is very key for us," Smith said.
When singles started, the Bears picked up right where they left off in doubles. Nguyen, Whitebloom, Bashaw, Cromwell, Bevard and Danziger were all straight set winners, dropping only a combined 11 games in the six wins.
Ursinus now looks forward to Saturday, when they host McDaniel on Senior Day. Smith is hopeful that it is not the last time he will see his seniors play, as the Bears can clinch an appearance in the Centennial Conference playoffs for the first time in school history. To do so, the Bears must beat McDaniel, as well as get a little help from other schools around the conference. Smith thinks that while nothing is guaranteed, his squad has a legitimate chance to to make it through to the playoffs.
"I do think we have a reasonable chance. We can only worry about beating McDaniel - the other matches are out of our control. We will certainly have our fingers crossed. But no matter what happens, nothing can change the fact that this has been an sensational season by an amazing group of girls that I will never forget."
Ursinus hosts McDaniel for Senior Day on Saturday, with a start time of 3:00 pm.
