POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - The Smith College tennis team began the 2019 spring season with their opening two matches at the 2019 Seven Sisters Championship, hosted by Vassar College. Smith dropped 5-0 decisions to both Vassar and Wellesley.

In the opening match against Vassar, the doubles pair of Cara Kizilbash and Ashley Fair defeated Gabby Mingolelli and Betsy Hillier 6-0, 6-0. In No. 4 singles action, Kara Van Allen (Kalamazoo, Mich./Mattawan) put forth a strong effort but came up short to her opponent Morgane Flournoy, 6-4, 6-4. Allison Ahern (Minneapolis, Minn./The Blake School) and Joanna Kim (Chicago, Ill./Northside College Prep) squared off in the No. 1 and No. 2 slots, respectively, but were swept 6-0, 6-0. Ellis Hillis competed in the No. 5 spot, falling to Joyce Park, 6-0, 6-1.

In their afternoon match against Wellesley, Smith found more success in singles action, starting once again with Ahern at the top of the card. She battled hard but shouldered a 6-2, 6-2 loss. Korina Hernandez defeated Joanna Kim (Chicago, Ill./Northside College Prep) 6-1, 6-1 in the second singles matchup and Sojin Kim grabbed a 6-0, 6-2 victory over Kara Van Allen (Kalamazoo, Mich./Mattawan). In the finals singles match, Elsa Hillis () could not overcome the play of Michelle Buyer for a 6-4, 6-2 decision. Rosanne Hu and Abigail Schleichkorn downed the pair of Mingolelli and Hillier, 6-0, 6-0.

UP NEXT
The Pioneers will continue day two of the Seven Sisters Championship on Sunday with matches against Bryn Mawr (9:00 a.m.) and Mount Holyoke (1:30 p.m.).

About Smith Athletics: Smith College is an NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information log on to smithpioneers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.