"Everyone played well and we had a solid performance," said captain Wallis Molchen '04. Coach Jackie Bagwell attributed the sweep to the depth of the team. "[The players] worked out very hard over the summer and most are at the top of their games."
Rachel Holt '05 filled the top position again, winning her match 6-2, 6-3. Tristan Hedrick '05 was still out with an injury, but Kristen Raverta '06 was back and played second singles, dominating in a quick 6-1, 6-1 match. Molchen and Hadley Miller '06 played third and fourth, respectively, winning 6-3, 6-0 and 6-2, 6-2. Katie Hudson '07 was fifth and Erin Murphy '05 sixth.
Holt and Raverta had an 8-3 win at first doubles. Bagwell believed this was the match of the day as the two played together for the first time, and did so successfully. Bagwell praised Raverta's net game and the pair's teamwork. Miller and Murphy continued their successful doubles partnership with an 8-2 victory. Molchen and Hudson did likewise at third, winning 8-3.
After her first three college matches, Hudson is not fully satisfied with her performance but expects to gain confidence with more matches. She is, however, satisfied with her teammates. "The greatest part of the experience has been the girls on the team-it's been an instant group of friends and I love it," she said.
The Omni ITA tournament, hosted by Bowdoin College, is this Friday through Sunday. The top 32 singles players and 16 doubles teams in New England participate. Amherst is hoping to send a large contingent. "[It's a] chance for Amherst to show the depth of its lineup," explained Miller.
Hedrick is currently planning to begin practicing again on Thursday and play this weekend. Holt is the Omni ITA defending champion, so if Hedrick is healthy, Bagwell is hoping for an all-Amherst final. The Hedrick-Holt challenge match early in the season was long and intense; their coach believes that they could both play in the final. "Wallis Molchen and Hadley Miller could also be dark horses," Bagwell said. "Both are playing extremely well."
"At this point, it's all about confidence," said Molchen. The team should be feeling confident after three strong victories. Their first home match is next Wednesday, Oct. 1, against the College of the Holy Cross, at 3:30 p.m.