FREDERICKSBURG, VA -- The 19th-ranked Skidmore College women's tennis team topped #21 University of Mary Washington, 6-3, in its opening match at the Blue/Grey Invitational, Friday evening in Fredericksburg, Va.
 
The Thoroughbreds (8-2, 5-0 Liberty) set the tone in doubles, winning two of three matches. Zoe Valella and Rachel Plevinsky paired for a 9-7 win at number two doubles and the team of Melissa Hirsch and Yumi Karlshoej was an 8-5 winner at number three doubles.
 
Valella and Plevinsky also notched wins at number five and number six singles, respectively. Valella battled to a three set win against Christina Gaul, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 and Plevinsky made quick work of Paige Weinberg, winning 6-1, 6-2. Lee Ford added a three-set win at number two singles, bouncing back from a first set loss and reigning Liberty League rookie of the week Madeline Benn was a winner at number three singles.
 
The Thoroughbreds take on #27 Case Western Reserve University at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29.
 

Skidmore 6, University of Mary Washington 3
 
Doubles

1.  Lindsay Raulston/Shelby Harris (UMW) def. Lee Ford/Madeline Benn (Skidmore) 8-2
2. Zoe Valella/Rachel Plevinsky (Skidmore) def. Alina Suyama/Mackenzie Smith (UMW) 9-7
3. Melissa Hirsch/Yumi Karlshoej (Skidmore) def. Alexandra Ritter/Ashley Barrow (UMW) 8-5


Singles

1. Lindsay Raulston (UMW) def. Melissa Hirsch 6-2, 6-1
2. Lee Ford (Skidmore) def. Shelby Harris (UMW) 2-6, 6-2, 6-4
3. Madeline Benn (Skidmore) def. Mackenzie Smith (UMW) 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)
4. Alexandra Ritter (UMW) def. Monique Carlson (Skidmore) 7-6(9-7), 6-2
5. Zoe Valella (Skidmore) def. Christina Gaul (UMW) 6-3, 2-6, 6-4
6. Rachel Plevinsky (Skidmore) def. Paige Weinberg (UMW) 6-1, 6-2