FREDERICKSBURG, VA -- The 19th-ranked Skidmore College women's tennis team knocked off its second straight nationally ranked opponent in as many days with a 5-4 win over #27 Case Western at the Blue/Grey Invitational, Saturday at Washington and Lee University.
Skidmore (9-2) closes out tournament play on Sunday against Oberlin at 9 a.m.
Down 2-1 after doubles, the Thoroughbreds battled back to win four singles matches, including three-set wins by
Lee Ford and Madeline Benn. Ford beat Sara Zargham 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-1 at number two singles, while Benn defeated Taylor Sweeney 0-6, 6-1, 6-1.
Ford and Benn combined for an 8-5 win at number one doubles.
"If DIII women's tennis were covered by ESPN this would be an Instant Classic," said Skidmore coach
Curt Speerschneider. "The momentum of this match changed several times throughout and both teams fought extremely hard for each and every point. We would come back, but then they would come back.
"In the end our confidence and work ethic in pressure filled and exhausting matches prevailed. It was great to see us come back and win two singles matches in third sets after being down 1-2 after doubles. It was a huge effort from every position regardless of if it was a win or loss."
Skidmore College 5, Case Western 4
Mar 29, 2014 at Fredericksburg, Va. (University Tennis Center)
| Singles competition |
| 1. Melissa Hirsch (SKIDMORE) def. Marianne Bonanno (CASE) 6-3, 7-5 |
| 2. Lee Ford (SKIDMORE) def. Sara Zargham (CASE) 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-1 |
| 3. Madeline Benn (SKIDMORE) def. Taylor Sweeney (CASE) 0-6, 6-1, 6-1 |
| 4. Sarah Berchuck (CASE) def. Monique Carlson (SKIDMORE) 7-5, 6-1 |
| 5. Surya Khadikar (CASE) def. Zoe Valella (SKIDMORE) 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 |
| 6. Rachel Plevinsky (SKIDMORE) def. Michelle Djohan (CASE) 6-2, 6-4 |
