Jeremy Ludemann
Staff Writer
It was a steep hill to climb for the Wooster women’s tennis team last Friday when it faced Division II neighbor Ashland University in the first game of the spring season. The Eagles blanked the Scots 9-0, but Wooster played admirably throughout at the Scot Center, which is the new home for both tennis teams until spring has fully sprung in the Killbuck Valley.
In number one singles, ace Ashley Stockwell ’12 was defeated in straight sets by Ashland’s Torrey Goudy, 6-0, 6-0. Stockwell, who will be a key factor for the success of the Scot team this year, made good returns against Goudy but was overpowered in the end.
Kelsey Jenkins ’13 was able to get two games off of the Eagles’ Erika Sullivan, but lost 6-1, 6-1. Sullivan was able to get her backhand going early on, and it paced her throughout the match, yet Jenkins was formidable at times with good returns.
Boo Flynn ’12 and Rachel Dietz ’15 were able to take three games from their opponents, but they did not win a set in either of their matches. Flynn was dropped in number three singles by Ashland’s Paige Cooper, 6-2, 6-1 and Dietz lost to Sally Trout in number six singles by a 6-0, 6-3 count.
Lauren Grimanis ’12 and Emily Linville ’12 didn’t have any better luck against their foes in number four and number five singles, as they lost in straight sets as well. The duo of Flynn and Lauren Gilliss ’13 were the brightest light for Wooster at number three doubles, as they made effective shots but incurred an 8-3 setback to Ashland’s pair of Sally Trout and Kira Kotova.
The Scots took on Otterbein University on Wednesday after press time and will face the Pioneers of Malone University this Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. to conclude their three-match homestand.
On March 11 they will travel to Hilton Head, S.C. for a slate of spring break matches.