SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The 20th-ranked Skidmore College team withstood an early challenge from No. 40 Vassar but prevailed in singles play, defeating the Brewers 7-2 in the Liberty League finale at the Skidmore Tennis Courts on a cool Saturday afternoon.

Skidmore, ranked 20th in the latest Oracle/ITA Division III women's coaches poll, wins the battle of the league's last unbeaten teams to win the regular season title, improving to 7-0 and 9-6 overall. Vassar falls to 5-1 and 14-4.

It was Vassar who broke the Thoroughbreds' program-record 40-match win streak in Liberty League play back on April 2, 2016. The Brewers threatened early to make it two in a row after taking a 2-1 lead after three doubles matches. Ada Wiggins and Brianna Greene picked up the lone victory at No. 2 for the Thoroughbreds with an 8-3 victory over Kate Christensen and Morgane Flournoy.

Skidmore turned things around quickly in singles play, sweeping all six matches to end the Brewer threat. Danielle Giannetti was near flawless in her match at No. 4, defeating Flournoy 6-1, 6-0. Greene also shined at No. 6, defeating Dasha Ivenitsky 6-3, 6-0. Wiggins and Michelle Fuca both survived tough challenges at No. 1 and No. 3, respectively in the first set before dominating the second in dual 7-5, 6-3 victories. Madie Benn and Renee Karchere-Sun each dropped the first set of their matches before rallying to win in three. Benn defeated Shayna Becker 6-7 (3-7), 6-1, 6-2 at No. 2, while Karchere-Sun picked up the 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 victory over Connie Yoo at No. 5.

"We didn't have much focus or push back in doubles, unfortunately," said Skidmore head coach Curt Speerschneider. "We were flat and just didn't execute the basics.  That's something we're really trying to work on…playing a complete match with 100% focus throughout.  That's something that is absolutely crucial to be a high level college team.  Fortunately, we were able to get some focus going in singles and finished very strong.  We'll take the win, but we're not satisfied by any means." 

Skidmore will play two more regular-season contests, both on home court. The Thoroughbreds will first host Trinity next Saturday in a 1 p.m. start.
 
Tennis Match Results
Vassar College vs Skidmore College
Apr 22, 2017 at Saratoga Springs, NY
(Skidmore Tennis Courts)
 
#20 Skidmore College 7, #40 Vassar College 2
 
Singles competition
1. Ada Wiggins (SKIDMORE) def. Kate Christensen (VASSAR) 7-5, 6-3
2. Madie Benn (SKIDMORE) def. Shayna Becker (VASSAR) 6-7 (3-7), 6-1, 6-2
3. Michelle Fuca (SKIDMORE) def. Tara Edwards (VASSAR) 7-5, 6-3
4. Danielle Giannetti (SKIDMORE) def. Morgane Flournoy (VASSAR) 6-1, 6-0
5. Renee Karchere-Sun (SKIDMORE) def. Connie Yoo (VASSAR) 5-7, 6-4, 6-1
6. Brianna Greene (SKIDMORE) def. Dasha Ivenitsky (VASSAR) 6-3, 6-0
 
Doubles competition
1. Shayna Becker/Tara Edwards (VASSAR) def. Michelle Fuca/Madie Benn (SKIDMORE) 8-6
2. Ada Wiggins/Brianna Greene (SKIDMORE) def. Kate Christensen/Morgane Flournoy (VASSAR) 8-3
3. Connie Yoo/Dasha Ivenitsky (VASSAR) def. Jessica Ampel/Alexa Goldberg (SKIDMORE) 9-7
 
Match Notes:
Vassar College 14-4, 5-1 LL; National ranking #40; Regional ranking #14
Skidmore College 9-6, 7-0 LL; National ranking #20; Regional ranking #8
T-4:13 A-37