The Colgate women’s tennis team hit the road this past weekend to face off against the Villanova Wildcats on Saturday, February 3 and La Salle in a quick turnaround on Sunday, February 4. Though the Raiders experienced a disappointing 1-6 loss on Saturday, the team then rallied to triumph over the La Salle Explorers on Sunday, beating the host team 4-0. The team’s performance followed its tough losses to Syracuse and Niagara the previous weekend.

Despite the team’s best efforts, it was unable to build momentum to overcome the Wildcats on Saturday. First-year MacKenzie Deeter was able to pull out a win in the No. 1 singles match, defeating Villanova Lexi DeNucci in three sets with scores of 6-4, 1-6 and 10-7. This was the first dual match victory of her collegiate career. Unfortunately, the remaining five singles matches were championed by Villanova. In doubles, the Wildcats won all three matches, with the No. 1 team sweeping the Colgate squad in two sets, while the No. 2 and No. 3 players fell in just one set.

“It was a tough loss for the ladies today to a talented Big East opponent. Game ball goes to Mac Deeter who beat her opponent at No. 1 singles in three sets, an amazing accomplishment for a first-year. Klein fought hard, and Williams and Deeter almost won at No. 1 doubles. We have a great group of ladies who are loyal, dedicated and determined to improve each week. We look forward to La Salle on Sunday,” head coach Bobby Pennington.

Sunday proved to be a more fruitful contest for the Raiders as they swept the La Salle Explorers. Deeter and sophomore Jordan Williams won the No. 1 doubles match in one set, ending with a score of 6-1 before moving on to each win their singles matches as well. Senior Cheyenne Brown and first-year Callie Bartimer won the No. 3 doubles match in one set as well, winning 7-5.

“I’m very proud of the way we played this past weekend. We had a tough match against Villanova but we didn’t let Saturday’s loss bring us down. Everyone came ready to play on Sunday and it was great to see the amount of energy each of my teammates brought. Callie really fired me up and it was good to get the doubles point. I’m very happy with the performance and looking forward to playing Siena this Friday,” Brown said.

In singles play, senior Kelly Klein along with Deeter and Williams contributed to the team’s success, defeating her opponent in two sets. As a result, the Raiders were able to sweep the hosting team.

“I am so proud and impressed with our women as they have overcome so much adversity last few weeks. Tonight was a total team effort with the ladies clinching the doubles by Brown and Bartimer at No. 3 doubles. In singles, Deeter, Williams and Klein all clinched their matches. The attitude, play, and energy have improved so much. Bring on Siena Friday night!” Pennington said.

After the weekend, the team’s overall record moved to 1-3. Next up for the team is an away match in Loudonville, N.Y. this weekend, when they will take on the Siena Saints on Friday, February 9 at 5 p.m. After this competition, the team will have a couple more matches to prepare before they take on Patriot League opponents in conference play in March.

Contact Victoria Holt at vholt@colgate.edu.