By Mitch Blankespoor
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – After falling to Ohio Northern (ONU) 5-4 in 2013, the Kalamazoo College women's tennis team got its revenge defeating the Polar Bears 6-3 on Saturday, Feb. 8 in the Markin Center.
"It was a great win for us," Kalamazoo Head Coach Mark Murphy said. "We were a little nervous in doubles play, but we really picked it up in singles play."
Kalamazoo won the first flight of the match when sophomore Sarah Woods and senior Jenna Riehl defeated the ONU team of Christina Corbean and Brittany Toney at first doubles.
Ohio Northern responded, however, squeaking out wins at second and third doubles both by a score of 8-6.
Last season, Kalamazoo was up 2-1 after doubles and could not close out the match. In 2014, the Hornets found themselves trailing 2-1 and needed four singles flights for a victory.
Woods was the first off defeating Corbean 6-0, 6-3 at first singles to tie the match at 2-2. ONU answered when Meghan Letizia defeated Kalamazoo senior Kelsey Moran 6-1, 6-2 at third singles.
Freshman Sabrina Dass won 6-4, 6-0 at fourth singles to tie the match up yet again. Sophomore Anna Latala made quick work of Rachael Miller winning 6-1, 6-0 at fifth singles.
Needing to win just one of the remaining two flights (second and sixth singles), the Hornets closed the match out when Riehl came back from a set down to defeat Taryn Stromback 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-2.
"There is no one I'd rather have out there than Jenna [Riehl]," Murphy said. "That's what seniors have to do for us, and Jenna delivered."
Just for good measure, junior Olivia Bouchard won the six singles flight in straight sets by scores of 6-3, 6-3.
Kalamazoo wins its season opener and begins the 2013-14 season with a 1-0 dual match record. The Hornets return to action Feb. 15 for a home match against Baldwin Wallace (Ohio).