Tennis Tops Springfield to Clinch Berth in NEWMAC Tournament

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (Oct. 11, 2011) – Sophomore AnnElizabeth Konkel prevailed at both singles and doubles to lead the Mount Holyoke College tennis team to a 5-4 triumph over Springfield College this afternoon at the Mount Holyoke Tennis Courts.

With the win, the Lyons secured a spot in the NEWMAC Tournament for the eighth straight season. They will travel to Wheaton College for a Quarterfinal Round match next Wednesday at 3:00 p.m.

Eman Malik

Mount Holyoke jumped out to a 3-0 edge with a dominant doubles performance. Konkel and junior Nahrhee Han got things going with an 8-2 victory at the top of the lineup. The Lyons' next point came from sophomore Kelsey Brower and senior Heather Richardson, who came out on top 8-3 in their number three tilt. It was their fifth consecutive win and seventh of the fall. Mount Holyoke's number two tandem of sophomore Maya Sayarath and senior Sarah Moore completed the sweep with an 8-6 triumph.

The Lyons closed things out with two quick singles wins. The first came from sophomore Eman Malik, who rolled to a 6-0, 6-0 victory in her number four match. Konkel then wrapped things up with a 6-1, 6-1 win at number five.

From there, Springfield (3-7, 1-6 NEWMAC) took the remaining four points. Junior Sam Carney, sophomore Sam Cleary and sophomore Sydney Streimer each prevailed in straight sets. Meanwhile, junior Erin Woodbury overcame in early deficit to defeat first year Sarah Anischik 3-6, 7-6 (7-1), 10-4.

Mount Holyoke (4-6, 3-4 NEWMAC) has now defeated the Pride 12 straight times. The Lyons will enter postseason play as winners of three of their last four matches.

Both squads are slated to participate in the New England Women's Intercollegiate Tennis Tournament this weekend. The event will run from Friday through Sunday on the campuses of Mount Holyoke, Amherst College, Hampshire College and Smith College.