NORTH READING, Mass. - With a great group of alumnae in the stands, the Smith College tennis team captured the 9-0 sweep today against New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) opponent Emerson. The Pioneers improve to 6-5 and 3-3 in conference play while the Lions drop to 3-13 and 0-6 in league action.

Smith Tennis got out to a strong start on all doubles courts, only dropping 5 games in their doubles sweep.

Dayana Caluna (Planfield, NJ/College Achieve) and Olivia Monos (Wyomissing, PA/Wilson) made their debut as a team in the three doubles position. With some great serving from Caluna and great work up at net from O. Monos the pair got the quick win, earning Smith their first point of the day. 

The second point of the day came in the number two position. Ashley Felix (El Paso, TX/Americas) and Alexa Monos (Wyomissing, PA/Wilson) teamed up to play some creative doubles. The pair are now 2-0. 

The third point of the day and securing the doubles sweep came in the one position. After going down 2-1, Lili and Clara Goshgarian (Lake Forest, IL/Lake Forest) found their rhythm and disrupted play to win 7 consecutive games to win 8-2. 

The momentum continued as Smith started singles play.  Caluna made quick work of her opponent, getting the 6-0, 6-0 win and improving her singles record in her first season to 2-1. 

Clara Goshgarian (Lake Forest, IL/Lake Forest) clinched the match for Smith. C. Goshgarian showed a great mix of play from the baseline and at net to get the 6-0, 6-0 win and secure the match for Smith. 

Even though the match was decided, Smith continued to play strong tennis on all courts. Alexa Monos (Wyomissing, PA/Wilson) claimed the six point for Smith. A. Monos played aggressive tennis keeping her opponent constantly on the move. A. Monos only dropped 2 games on her way to a 6-2. 6-0 win. 

Olivia Monos (Wyomissing, PA/Wilson) faced a tricky opponent in the number three position. McGovern of Emerson mixed in some big forehands and a big serve. O. Monos was able to neutralize these strengths, and managed to keep her opponent moving  on her way to a 6-0. 6-1 win. 

The closest match of the day was in the number one position. Steward of Emerson came out strong against Lili Goshgarian (Lake Forest, IL/Lake Forest) and jumped to a 5-2 lead. L. Goshgarian found her groove though and went on to win 5 straight games to win the set, even saving a set point along the way. L. Goshgarian came out strong in the second set, and did not drop a game on her way to a 7-5. 6-0 win. 

The final point of the day came in the number 5 position. Ashley Felix (El Paso, TX/Americas) bounced back after a tough loss earlier this week. Felix played steady tennis to win  the match 6-0, 6-1. 

In exhibition singles action, senior Sariah Akhdar (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia/JESS Arabian Ranches) took the court. She played with so much variety it was impossible for her opponent to know what would happen next. Akhdar quickly got the 6-0 6-0 win to cap off a great day of competition for Smith. 

Up Next
Smith will host NEWMAC rival Clark on Tuesday, April 18 at 4:00 pm.

About Smith Athletics: Smith College is a 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 and Instagram.