Zach Tolman
Staff Writer
The Springfield College women’s tennis team rolled over Suffolk University, 8-1 on Thursday afternoon in a non-conference contest on the Appleton Courts.
Springfield came out by dominating doubles play, only allowing Suffolk to take a mere two games in the three doubles matches. No. 1 doubles made up of the freshmen duo, Rachel London and Stephanie Foster, as well as the No. 2 doubles consisting of the sophomore pair of Melanie Thulin and Arianna Shemms both registered decisive 8-1 victories. Captain Sydney Streimer and Alana Grady competing in third doubles match overpowered the Suffolk pair, taking a decisive 8-0 win.
“The key today was doubles again,” coach Toby Coffin said. “Coming out and getting three wins in doubles is definitely big. Top to bottom we were pretty even in singles. Everyone out here had a great match today.”
In singles play the Pride continued to show their dominance, claiming five of the six singles matches on the day. Freshman standout Rachel London was able to clinch her first win in the No. 1 slot, beating Aidiana Sagyndykova 6-3, 6-2.
“The key was keeping my cool, hitting the ball deep to her backhand because that was her weakest shot and just letting her make the mistakes and wait for my opportunities,” London said.
With the win the young Springfield team has now won their fifth match in a row and improved their record to 6-3 on the season. The team’s next contest is home on the Appleton Courts on Tuesday against Mount Holyoke in a NEWMAC bout.