The women’s tennis team went undefeated this past week winning back to back games at home by a score of 4-3 against Delaware State and St. Francis Brooklyn.
“Everyone dug down. It was a great win for the team. Tennis is that weird sport where it is individual but you need a team to win. I am really proud of how everyone stayed together as a team and got the win,” said Head Coach Patrice Murray. “Nicole Gasser clinched the match for us in the last two wins, which is exciting and our doubles win today was very much needed,” said Murray.
Thursday’s matchup on Sept. 26 was a tight one against the Hornets of Delaware State as Monmouth got their first win of the season with just one point separating the two teams.
Freshman Ann Spurka led the way in the number one singles spot for the Hawks as she accounted for the first win of the day with a three-set victory.
Spurka showed resilience defeating her opponent in the first set 7-5 before dropping the second 5-7 and coming back to win the deciding set 10-7.
In the second singles spot sophomore Nicole Gasser took down her matchup in just two sets with consecutive 6-4 and 6-2 victories.
“Personally, it is a big confidence booster especially since they have been tight matches. As for the team, it brings such enthusiasm to the court. Every point is super close and having that energy and cheering from the team also helps bring confidence into the match,” said Sophomore Nicole Gasser.
Junior Chinonye Gabriel closed out the Monmouth number five single spot with a two-set triumph by scores of 6-0 and 6-3.
From here Monmouth remained at home in the comfort of their own courts to take on St. Francis Brooklyn on Tuesday Oct. 1.
The Hawks performed dominantly again taking home their second consecutive win by the same score of 4-3.
Gasser was phenomenal in the winning effort again closing out a victory in three sets from the number two singles spot just like Thursday’s match. She lost the first set 4-6 before coming back strong to win the next two 6-2 and 10-8.
Chinonye was victorious again as well winning at both number 5 singles and number two doubles which made her 2-0 on the afternoon.
Gasser and junior Sophia Fredriksson pulled on a phenomenal 7-5 win in the number one doubles spot to give Monmouth the advantage.
Freshman Emily Manzo also had a huge day winning her first ever collegiate match in the number four singles spot.
“Everyone has been working really hard and we are all determined for this year. We push one another along with supporting each other on and off the court. We are all very excited for both the fall and spring season,”said Gasser.
The now 2-1 Hawks will look to open their conference play beginning later this week. Their first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opponent of the year will be Thursday Oct. 3 on the road against Marist.
The match will begin at 3:00 p.m. and will be taking place on Marist’s home courts in Poughkeepsie, New York.
PHOTO COURTESY of Monmouth Athletics
