Tennis routs Case

The Oberlin women's tennis team continues to compile a very impressive record as their season winds to a close. Last weekend, the Yeowomen enjoyed decisive victories over Case Western Reserve and Ohio Wesleyan, adding two more wins to their impressive 13-5 record.

On Saturday, they soundly defeated the ladies of Case Western by a score of 6-0, as the Yeowomen swept their NCAC rivals with relative ease. Senior Leigh Ann Totty, ranked first on the women's singles ladder, disposed of her opponent, Archana Vavgheese, in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1; Totty also combined forces with fellow senior Tara Sievers to beat Case's top doubles team of Vavgheese and Alissa Kumley by a score of 8-1. For her part, Sievers enjoyed similar success against Kumley in singles competition, beating her in three sets.

The very next day, the Yeowomen brought that winning attitude into their meet against another conference rival, Ohio Wesleyan. Although Totty and junior Jill Brockelman dropped two hard-fought singles matches, sophomores Beth Krupski and Robin Richardson picked up the slack by winning both of their singles matches.

In doubles competition, the women enjoyed better results. Totty and Sievers cruised to victory against Ohio Wesleyan's top doubles squad by a score of 8-0; meanwhile, Krupski and Richardson narrowly pulled out an 8-6 win over their third-ranked opponents. Finally, Brockelman and sophomore Claudia Martinez defeated the second-ranked doubles team of Kristin Farrell and Ruth Tincher, helping the Yeowomen to an overall 6-3 intra-conference win.

Unfortunately, the women ran into a brick wall on Thursday against NCAC powerhouse Denison University, losing by a count of 7-2. In the loss, Krupski provided the lone bright spot in singles competition, winning her match against Molly Smith 6-2, 6-4. On the doubles side, Martinez and Brockelman pulled out a much-needed victory, downing Smith and Kristen Hanton by a score of 8-4.

Despite the loss, coach Don Hunsinger seemed pleased with the effort. "The team still played very well," he said. "And this was a very solid Denison team."

He added that "all of the players have been playing well, but especially Robin Richardson and Beth Krupski." During Sunday's meet, Richardson lost her first set by a score of 3-6, but came back to win the final two sets 6-4, 7-6 (7-5). For her part, Krupski overcame a first set loss and a 5-1 second set deficit that same day during her improbable victory over Ohio Wesleyan's Sara White.

All things considered, Hunsinger had nothing but praise for his team. "We've really picked up our play during the last few weeks," he said. "At each meet, the women have taken turns being the catalyst for our victories. Now, we face our biggest match before the conference tournament. I'm very optimistic about it."

Krupski echoed those sentiments. "We've been played really solid tennis lately," she said. "We've been fighting hard, and it's been a really positive experience. I think we have a good chance of winning it all."

The Yeowomen head into their match against the Gators of Allegheny College with a strong record and a bright future. The match will take place at the Oberlin Tennis Courts at 10 a.m. on Saturday. It will be the last home meet of the season.

Game, set, match: The Yeowomen rolls over Case. (photo by Gregory Bell)