The University of Pennsylvania women’s tennis team delivered an impressive performance, securing a 4-2 victory over Harvard in an exciting match. This win represents the first loss for the Crimson in conference play this season, solidifying Penn’s dominance in Ivy League tennis.
The Quakers started strongly, claiming initial success at No. 2 doubles, with Esha Velaga and Maya Urata defeating Rachel Arbitman and Kavya Karra with a score of 6-1. Although Iris Gallo and Sasha Motlagh fell to Natalie Block and Sany Gawande at the third slot, Sabine Rutlauka and Eileen Wang saved the day by securing the doubles point with a 6-3 win at No. 1 over Holly Fischer and Stephanie Yakoff, putting Penn in the lead with a score of 1-0.
As the singles matches began, Harvard made a comeback, leveling the score to 1-1 when Charlotte Owensby triumphed over Wang in the #3 slot with scores of 6-4, 6-2. The Crimson then took the lead with a 2-1 score when Gawande edged out Urata in the #6 slot with scores of 6-4, 6-3.
However, the Quakers did not retreat, exhibiting determination and skill. In a series of impressive victories, Penn’s Sabine Rutlauka secured a win at No. 1 against Fischer with a score of 6-0, 7-6, and Velaga powered through a three-set victory over Yakoff at No. 2, with scores of 5-7, 6-0, 6-3, to give Penn the lead.
The highlight of the match came when Gavriella Smith clinched the win with a singles victory over Harvard’s Maxi Duncan, with an impressive score of 6-7, 6-2, 6-0, ultimately securing the overall match with a 4-2 score.
Looking ahead, the Red and Blue (16-7, 4-2 Ivy League) are set to conclude the regular season with a 1 p.m. matchup against Dartmouth at the Hamlin/Hecht Tennis Centers on Sunday, April 21. The team is riding high on their recent victory and is eager to maintain their winning momentum.
Additionally, the doubles and singles results are as follows:
Doubles Results:
1. Sabine Rutlauka and Eileen Wang defeated Holly Fischer and Stephanie Yakoff with a score of 6-3
2. Esha Velaga and Maya Urata defeated Rachel Arbitman and Kavya Karra with a score of 6-1
3. Natalie Block and Sany Gawande defeated Iris Gallo and Sasha Motlagh with a score of 6-3
Doubles Order of Finish: 2, 3, 1*
Singles Results:
1. Sabine Rutlauka defeated Holly Fischer with a score of 6-0, 7-6
2. Esha Velaga defeated Stephanie Yakoff with a score of 5-7, 6-0, 6-3
3. Charlotte Owensby defeated Eileen Wang with a score of 6-4, 6-2
4. Gavriella Smith defeated Maxi Duncan with a score of 6-7, 6-2, 6-0
5. Iris Gallo vs Kate Kim – 6-2, 4-6, 2-3 DNF
6. Sany Gawande defeated Maya Urata with a score of 6-4, 6-3
Singles Order of Finish: 3, 6, 1, 2, 4*
The Penn women’s tennis team exhibited exceptional talent and teamwork, showcasing their prowess on the court and securing a well-deserved victory over a formidable opponent. With their eyes set on future matches, the team looks forward to continuing their winning streak and making their mark in the world of collegiate tennis.