By Jamie Frankel

The Oberlin women’s tennis team defeated the College of Wooster 5-4 and dropped a close home match to the Battling Bishops of Ohio Wesleyan University by the same score. With the split, Oberlin came away at 9-4 overall and 3-1 in NCAC play.

Against the College of Wooster, Oberlin won at number one doubles, 8-4, with solid play and excellent execution. In number three doubles, Wooster earned an 8-2 decision. Second doubles was the closest match and Wooster prevailed in a tight 9-7 decision.

Down 2-1 heading into singles play has been a familiar position for the Yeowomen this season. Oberlin once again managed to win four out of six matches to clinch a conference victory. Winning for Oberlin were first-year Bianca Barr in the two singles position, senior Whitney Reichheld at three singles, junior Jessica Hauser at fourth singles and sophomore Kate Lurain at five singles.

Junior Ary Amerikaner and sophomore Lesley Farber dropped close decisions at first and sixth singles, respectively.

The next day, Oberlin came out excited with the chance to upset a very talented and well-coached OWU squad. Once again, first doubles was up to the challenge, but the number two and three doubles lost in close matches to give OWU the 2-1 advantage heading into singles action.

In singles, Amerikaner knocked off Ohio Wesleyan’s Kelly Glassburn for her best victory of the season at number one singles. Reichheld and Hauser also turned in victories for the Yeowomen at third and fourth singles.

With the match tied at four, Lurain could not hold onto a 5-2 third set lead as she eventually lost 7-3 in a third set tiebreaker.

“We didn’t play as well against OWU,” Lurain said, “We didn’t step it up in doubles.”

Oberlin will next take on Kenyon College on Wednesday. Play is scheduled to begin at 4:30 pm.