SANTA CRUZ, CALIF. - The No. 16 Skidmore women's tennis team participated in two matches in Santa Cruz, Calif., narrowly losing to U.C. Santa Cruz, Friday, March 15, 5-4 and to Redlands 1-8 Saturday, March 16.

"Despite great efforts from the top of the lineup, it was a tough week for us losing two very winnable matches.  We have yet to have a complete match where everyone shows up, which is absolutely crucial to beat these teams.  However, we're learning from every match and figuring things out which will make us stronger in the end.  There's still a lot of season to go and our best tennis is in front of us" said head coach Curt Speerschneider.
 
Against U.C. Santa Cruz, Skidmore's Nataly Mendoza and Lee Ford posted a win at first doubles defeating Alex Scotten and Laura Wade 8-4.  Mendoza and Ford kept the match close, as each won their respective singles matches as well.  Alex Smith defeated Katy Collins (6-1, 4-6, 10-1) to pick up another point for the Thoroughbreds.
 
Doubles results:
1.  Nataly Mendoza/Lee Ford defeated Alex Scotten/Laura Wade 8-4
2. Alex Smith/Zoe Valella lost to Arianna Mokhtari/Katy Collins 8-5
3. Robyn Baird/Yumi Karlshoej lost to Caitlin Mannix/Courtney Lymburner 8-4
 
Singles results:
1. Nataly Mendoza defeated Arianna Mokhtari 6-2, 6-2
2. Lee Ford defeated Alex Scotten 6-4, 6-1
3. Melissa Hirsch lost to Laura Wade 6-2, 6-0
4. Jordan Zola lost to Courtney Lymburner 6-1, 6-3
5. Alex Smith defeated Katy Collins 6-1, 4-6, 10-1
6. Zoe Valella lost to Caitlin Mannix 6-4, 6-1
 
Against Redlands, the Thoroughbreds mounted a strong effort, but came up short in the match, losing 8-1.  Mendoza and Ford earned Skidmore's only point in the match, as they continued their strong doubles play, winning the number one spot.   
 
Doubles results:
1. Nataly Mendoza/Lee Ford defeated Ly/Sumida 8-6
2. Alex Smith/Zoe Valella lost to Pollak/Etchegaray 8-4
3. Robyn Baird/Yumi Karlshoej lost to Press/Villanueva 8-6
 
Singles results:
1. Nataly Mendoza lost to Ly 7-5, 6-2
2. Lee Ford lost to Etchegaray 6-4, 6-3
3. Melissa Hirsch lost to Sumida 6-3, 6-3
4. Alex Smith lost to Press 7-5, 7-5
5. Zoe Velella lost to Pollak 6-1, 6-3
6. Robyn Baird lost to Morton 6-4, 3-6, 11-0
 
The Thoroughbreds return to action Saturday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m. against St. Lawrence.