NORTHAMPTON, MA - On Friday afternoon, Smith Tennis faced a challenging matchup against a nationally ranked Babson squad, ultimately falling 7-0. Smith will look to bounce back tomorrow as they take on Connecticut College at home. 

Doubles Battle

Smith showed early signs of fight in doubles, managing to win one of the three matchups. Clara and Lili Goshgarian (Lake Forest, IL/Lake Forest) put up a solid effort but fell short against Babson's Olivia Soffer and Kamila Stasiowska, losing 6-4.Smith found only success of the day as Ayla Hauser (Knoxville, TN/Bearden) and Marielle Sauber (The Woodlands, TX/The John Cooper School) secured a 6-4 victory over Babson's Chaniel Soffer and Alessandra Cristiani. Their aggressive net play and well-placed serves made the difference. Sophia Dube (Portland, OR/Oregon Episcopal School) and Tabitha Bastress (Charlotte, VT/Champlain Valley Union High School)  struggled to gain momentum, falling 6-0 to Babson's Sarai Dorismond and Grace Starcher.

Singles Challenges

Smith faced an uphill battle in singles play, unable to win a set despite some competitive moments especially by Marielle Sauber (The Woodlands, TX/The John Cooper School) amd Sabrina Wang (Beijing, China/Princeton). Ayla Hauser (Knoxville, TN/Bearden) dropped the  the first set 6-0 but bounced back a bit in the second but couldn't break Soffer's control, ultimately losing 6-4. Marielle Sauber (The Woodlands, TX/The John Cooper School) was close with the other Soffer but couldn't figure out a way past her. Clara Goshgarian (Lake Forest, IL/Lake Forest) fought hard but fell to Alessandra Cristiani 6-1, 6-2. Sabrina Wang (Beijing, China/Princeton) put up one of Smith's strongest fights of the day, pushing Kamila Stasiowska to the limit in the second set but ultimately falling 6-2, 7-5, almost getting a tiebreaker. 

Up Next

The Pioneers  return to action on Saturday when they host a non-conference opponent Connecticut College at 1 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.