UTICA, NY – The Alfred University Women's Tennis team returned to action after a 13-day layoff, falling to host Utica by a 9-0 score, in Empire 8 action from the Todd and Jen Hutton Sports and Recreation Dome Saturday afternoon.
The Saxons fall to 0-2 (0-2 Empire 8) on the season, while Utica improves to 3-2 (3-2 Empire 8).
The Saxons nearly took a point from the Pioneers at fourth singles. Sophomore
Cassondra Mark (Prattsburgh, NY/Prattsburgh) battled with Utica's Michela Marturano, but came up a few points short in a 9-8 loss. At the top singles spot, first year
Anna Gwozdz (South Wales, NY/Iroquois) took two points in an 8-2 loss to Ellen Collie.
In doubles action, Mark and teammate, first year
Kimberly Rauber (East Islip, NY/East Islip) won two games in an 8-2 loss in second doubles to Morgan Willis and Bianca Bockhaus. At the top doubles spot, sophomore
Kailey Reyes (Dallas, TX/Trinity) made her season debut, teaming up with Gwozdz in an 8-1 loss to Collie and Ellen Lyga.
"Hats off to Utica today for a great match," said head coach
Jordan Crouch. "They're a well-coached team with some great players. Casey played really well today in a back-and-forth match that ended up being decided by just two points. We'll get back at it again tomorrow!"
The Saxons will have a quick turnaround, travelling to Rochester tomorrow to take on Nazareth at 1 p.m.
