Friday, February 22
New York, N.Y./Dick Savitt Tennis Center
4:00 PM
Columbia University
7
vs
0
Sacred Heart
Photo by: Columbia University Athletics/Mike McLaughlin
No. 38 Lions Shut Out Sacred Heart 7-0
2/22/2019 8:30:00 PM | Women's Tennis
Lions win sixth straight, improve to 6-1 on the year; show incredible depth in 7-0 victory; up next is Maryland on Saturday at 1 p.m.
NEW YORK—The No. 38 ranked women's tennis team showed off its dominant depth as it used a different lineup to register a 7-0 decision over Sacred Heart Friday at Dick Savitt Tennis Center. The victory moved No. 38 Columbia to 6-1 on the year, while Sacred Heart falls to 3-6.
The Lions are on a six-match win streak heading into their Saturday matchup against Maryland at 1 p.m. at Dick Savitt Tennis Center.
"I was really proud of the players who competed today," Columbia Head Coach Ilene Weintraub said. "They come out every day and practice just as hard as our starting lineup. It really speaks to the depth of our team."
"This team is very focused," Weintraub said. "They motivate each other every day. That motivation is bringing every single one of our players up to reach their full potential. Even though all of our players don't play in every match, they all come out here every day, work hard and have fun. All of our players are prepared."
Columbia needed 35 minutes to claim the doubles point and a 1-0 lead. Sophomore Christie Wan and senior Andrea Kevakian defeated Sacred Heart's Brianne Lauria and Keira Tobia 6-1, then sophomore Jennifer Kerr and senior Sarah Hu followed with a 6-1 decision over Sacred Heart's Olivia Podsibierski and Sabrina Navarro.
Junior Ali Pollack made her first appearance of the season as she registered a dominating 6-0, 6-0 win over Sacred Heart's Nicole Vassalle at No. 6 singles. Due to an injury, Pollack has not seen action since last season.
"I was really proud of Ali today," Weintraub said. "Ali has had a successful first two years for us and she went 5-2 in the Ivy League last year. She's been struggling with injuries but is now fully healthy and should be ready to go for the spring."
Columbia then won four matches in a 10-minute stretch. Kerr took care of Sacred Heart's Lauria to the tune of 6-1, 6-2 at No. 1 singles. First-year Melissa Sakar won a dual match clinching 6-1, 6-0 No. 2 singles match over Sacred Heart's Olivia Podsibierski, first-year Yekaterina Alverova defeated SHU's Sabrina Navarro 6-1, 6-1. At No. 3 singles, junior Renee Ren topped SHU's Keira Tobia 6-1, 6-0 as Columbia took a commanding 6-0 lead.
The longest and final match of the day proved to be Columbia first-year Caitie Sullivan vs. Sacred Heart's Laura Crivei. Sullivan, who got off to a slow start, battled back to take a 7-5 first set win, then cruised to a 6-0 win in the second set.
Columbia is back in action on Saturday afternoon when it hosts ACC opponent Maryland. First-serve is at 1 p.m. at Dick Savitt Tennis Center.
"Maryland is a tough team," Weintraub said. "They're in a good conference and they're well-coached. Last year we had a tough battle against them and lost 4-3. We are looking forward to another great match tomorrow."
The Lions are on a six-match win streak heading into their Saturday matchup against Maryland at 1 p.m. at Dick Savitt Tennis Center.
"I was really proud of the players who competed today," Columbia Head Coach Ilene Weintraub said. "They come out every day and practice just as hard as our starting lineup. It really speaks to the depth of our team."
"This team is very focused," Weintraub said. "They motivate each other every day. That motivation is bringing every single one of our players up to reach their full potential. Even though all of our players don't play in every match, they all come out here every day, work hard and have fun. All of our players are prepared."
Columbia needed 35 minutes to claim the doubles point and a 1-0 lead. Sophomore Christie Wan and senior Andrea Kevakian defeated Sacred Heart's Brianne Lauria and Keira Tobia 6-1, then sophomore Jennifer Kerr and senior Sarah Hu followed with a 6-1 decision over Sacred Heart's Olivia Podsibierski and Sabrina Navarro.
Junior Ali Pollack made her first appearance of the season as she registered a dominating 6-0, 6-0 win over Sacred Heart's Nicole Vassalle at No. 6 singles. Due to an injury, Pollack has not seen action since last season.
"I was really proud of Ali today," Weintraub said. "Ali has had a successful first two years for us and she went 5-2 in the Ivy League last year. She's been struggling with injuries but is now fully healthy and should be ready to go for the spring."
Columbia then won four matches in a 10-minute stretch. Kerr took care of Sacred Heart's Lauria to the tune of 6-1, 6-2 at No. 1 singles. First-year Melissa Sakar won a dual match clinching 6-1, 6-0 No. 2 singles match over Sacred Heart's Olivia Podsibierski, first-year Yekaterina Alverova defeated SHU's Sabrina Navarro 6-1, 6-1. At No. 3 singles, junior Renee Ren topped SHU's Keira Tobia 6-1, 6-0 as Columbia took a commanding 6-0 lead.
The longest and final match of the day proved to be Columbia first-year Caitie Sullivan vs. Sacred Heart's Laura Crivei. Sullivan, who got off to a slow start, battled back to take a 7-5 first set win, then cruised to a 6-0 win in the second set.
Columbia is back in action on Saturday afternoon when it hosts ACC opponent Maryland. First-serve is at 1 p.m. at Dick Savitt Tennis Center.
"Maryland is a tough team," Weintraub said. "They're in a good conference and they're well-coached. Last year we had a tough battle against them and lost 4-3. We are looking forward to another great match tomorrow."
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
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