Smith Tennis Defeats Emerson 8-1

Dana Smith

Smith hosted Emerson indoors on a cloudy overcast Oct 3.  The Smith doubles found their pace and place in the match giving the Pioneers a 3-0 lead entering singles.  Margaret Anne Smith and Samantha Peikes teamed up, once again, to claim the victory at number 1 doubles, this time, 8-0.  The two played with determination moving forward and taking volleys early and offensively. The newly formed team of Noa Dubin and Joanna Kim shared the limelight with an 8-0 win at number 2 doubles powering their way to victory from the baseline and at net. The two seemed to compliment each other's play as they took control of the match from the first point. Morgan Barney and Janan Fugel had the toughest match at number three doubles but stayed positive and ended up winning against Jamie Coconis and Tiziana Valquez 8-5.

The singles players were next. Noa Dubin won 6-0, 6-0 for Smith over Tiziana Valquez of Emerson.  Noa hit a plethora of decisive winners leaving her opponent defenseless.  Margaret Anne Smith played second singles and was the first to finish her 6-0, 6-0 with her newly found aggressive style.  She has added several offensive tools to her already consistent game which she used wisely on this day. Samantha Peikes had a 6-0, 6-0 victory at three singles going to net at every opportunity. Sam's movement and anticipation on the court is becoming better and better and it is making her aggressive strategies more effective. Janan Fugel gave up just one game in her 6-0, 6-1 win answering Gilesea Thomas' strokes one for one and maintaining joy in the heat of competition.  Next on the court was Annina Van Riper who claimed her fifth court singles win 6-0, 6-2.  Her consistency and patience on court were most noteworthy.  She is a student of the game and a hard worker and she continues to raise her game and her competitive level at each match.  Dana Smith played sixth for Smith against Emerson.  She was cheered by her teammates as she competed for the first time at sixth singles.  She showed poise and determination on court and a calm demeanor.  She has shown great improvement in this short competitive season even though she was not able to claim the victory. She lost, this day, in a close 4-6, 3-6 match.

With two conference wins in a row, Smith will be on the road for the next two matches, facing Clark on Tuesday, October 6.