Middlebury, Vt. – Every match counted Wednesday night as the 15^th-ranked Middlebury College women's tennis team squeaked by 27^th-ranked Skidmore College, 5-4.

 

The loss snaps a five-match win streak for the Thoroughbreds, who fall to 8-3. The Panthers improve to 5-5.

 

“This match was about as close as they come,” said head coach Curt Speerschneider. “Everyone played to the level that they are capable of and we put ourselves in position to win.” 

 

Skidmore took two of three doubles matches to take a quick lead. Senior Stephanie Abrams (Avon, CT) and freshman Allie Burns (Mequon, WI) prevailed at number two doubles with an 8-6 win over Clare and Anna Burke, while freshman Tory Engros (Bronxville, NY) and junior Laura Attley (Chatham, NJ) earned a point at number three doubles with an 8-4 victory over Tori Aiello and Jamie Haar.

 

The Panthers fought back in singles play and won the top four singles matches before Attley and Engros each triumphed at number five and six singles to bring the Thoroughbreds within one for the 5-4 final. 

 

“Every match was competitive and we fought extremely hard.  Doubles (play) was especially impressive,” said Speerschneider.  “We stayed aggressive and really did a good job closing out points.  Our team is starting to realize our potential.” 

 

Middlebury 5, Skidmore 4

Singles Results

1. Tori Aiello (M) def. Danika Robison (S) 6-4, 6-3

2. Chandra Kurien (M) def. Rachel Loeb (S) 2-6, 7-5, 6-4

3. Elizabeth Stone (M) def. Allie Burns (S) 6-3, 6-1

4. Clare Burke (M) def. Dani Fancher (S) 6-3, 6-1

5. Laura Attley (S) def. Alysia Puccenelli (M) 6-2, 6-1

6. Tory Engros (S) def. Anna Burke (M) 6-2, 6-1

 

Doubles

1. Stone/Kurien (M) def. Robison/Loeb (S) 8-2

2. Abrams/Burns (S) def. Burke/Burke (M) 8-6

3. Engros/Attley (S) def. Aiello/Haar (M) 8-4