The women’s team opened the 2007 season with a pair of resounding victories at Sanford Field House. Last Saturday, the Raiders first dual match of the season came against a tough squad from Siena College. The Raiders prevailed 5-2 and were paced by a number of outstanding performances from underclassmen. On the singles side, Colgate was led by first-year Elise Derose, who recorded a 6-2, 6-1 victory in second singles. In fourth singles, first-year Samantha Inacker secured a resounding 6-0, 6-0 victory. On the doubles side, Colgate went 3 for 3 and had a particularly strong performance from the duo of sophomore Erin Fenn and first-year Jackie Stimmel in the third doubles spot.

Encouraged by this promising start, the Raiders returned to the Sanford Field House the next day to play the Marist Red Foxes. Once again, the team secured a resounding 5-2 victory. The Raiders received contributions from players throughout the whole lineup. On the singles side, Elise Derose continued her strong play by soundly defeating Christina Ong by a score of 6-1. 6-3. Inacker continued her perfect spring season by blanking her opponent 6-0, 6-0. Through two matches, Inacker has yet to give up a game.

“I hit a ton over winter break and since returning to school we have had a number of intense practices that have been very helpful,” Inacker said. “I am a rhythm player so it’s really just about practicing for me.”

Senior Lindsay Grossman also provided a lift to the team by winning her fourth flight singles match 6-1, 6-2 over Alexa Strange. Along with No. 1 singles player Jackie Couture, they are the lone seniors on the team. Coach Pennington believes their senior leadership is a main reason why the Raiders have gotten off to such a hot start.

“The seniors have been very supportive of the underclassmen this year,” Pennington said. “They have taken the underclassmen under their wing. And it really shows, everyone has a great attitude and they all get along.”

Pennington also believes these victories are sign of more things to come.

“This year the Patriot League is really tough,” Pennington said. Bucknell has a strong team coming back and Army is the team to beat. It should be a challenging year but with our depth I expect us to make a big push for a Patriot League Championship.”

The women will continue their season when they travel to Binghamton University next Saturday for a 6 p.m match.