WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. – The Smith College tennis team kicked off its match against Williams College with a strong start, securing the doubles point to take an early lead. Despite showcasing immense grit and determination across the singles flights, the Bears ultimately fell to the Ephs in a tightly contested road battle on Saturday.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Doubles

• Smith started the day off strong by securing the doubles point, getting the 1-0 lead going into singles play.

• In the number one position, Ava Emrich (Smyrna, Delaware/Tower Hill School) and Heidi Cambron (Sherbrooke, Canada/Champlain College Lennoxville) made some good adjustments against a tough top team from Williams. The Ephs proved to be too strong on the day, getting the first opportunity to win a doubles match.

• In the number three position, Emily Wang (Westford, MA/Westford Academy) and Olivia Chin (Bayside, NY/Dominican Academy) showcased their strengths to throw off Ahn Lin and Ellie Stark in their 6-4 win, getting Smith back on even footing with Williams.

• The early advantage was decided in the number two position, where Ayla Hauser (Knoxville, TN/Bearden) and Natazya Simunyola (Lorton, VA/South County High School) battled back from 5-2 down to win six straight games and go up 6-5. Williams then held serve to force a tiebreak. Under immense pressure, Hauser and Simunyola made great plays to win the tiebreak 8-6 and give Smith the 1-0 lead. The duo is currently an impressive 3-0 this season!

Singles

• Ayla Hauser (Knoxville, TN/Bearden) secured the second point of the day for Smith in the number one singles position. She played aggressive tennis, forcing play to keep her opponent off balance. Hauser showcased her grit and growth to get the 7-6 (7-1), 6-4 win!

• Smith's third point of the day came in the number six position where Olivia Chin (Bayside, NY/Dominican Academy) battled through a close match. After winning the first set 6-4, her opponent adjusted her play and started to dictate more, going up quickly for a 5-1 lead. Chin adjusted to win 3 straight games making it 5-4. After a strong service game, her opponent was able to hold and take the set forcing a third-set tiebreak.

• In the tiebreak, Chin played disciplined tennis, jumping up to a 9-3 lead. Her opponent battled back, but Chin showcased her determination, closing out the set and the match 10-7 in the third!

• Williams responded by securing points in the middle of the lineup, taking the No. 2, 3, 4, and 5 positions to edge out the Bears for the overall match victory.

UP NEXT

The Bears will look to carry the momentum from their gritty performances into their next matchup as they travel to take on Connecticut College on Monday, March 2nd. First serve is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Match Results

Doubles

1. Jane Ladaga / Mia Roets (WC) def. Ava Emrich (Smyrna, Delaware/Tower Hill School) / Heidi Cambron (Sherbrooke, Canada/Champlain College Lennoxville) (SC) — 6-1

2. Ayla Hauser (Knoxville, TN/Bearden) / Natazya Simunyola (Lorton, VA/South County High School) (SC) def. Ayanna Varma / Zoe Yao (WC) — 7-6 (8)

3. Olivia Chin (Bayside, NY/Dominican Academy) / Emily Wang (Westford, MA/Westford Academy) (SC) def. Ahn Lin / Ellie Stark (WC) — 6-4

Singles

1. Ayla Hauser (Knoxville, TN/Bearden) (SC) def. Julia Zhang (WC) — 7-6 (7-1), 6-4

2. Zoe Yao (WC) def. Ava Emrich (Smyrna, Delaware/Tower Hill School) (SC) — 6-1, 7-5

3. Ayanna Varma (WC) def. Heidi Cambron (Sherbrooke, Canada/Champlain College Lennoxville) (SC) — 6-1, 6-3

4. Ellie Stark (WC) def. Emily Wang (Westford, MA/Westford Academy) (SC) — 6-0, 6-1

5. Jane Ladaga (WC) def. Natazya Simunyola (Lorton, VA/South County High School) (SC) — 6-2, 6-1

6. Olivia Chin (Bayside, NY/Dominican Academy) (SC) def. Ahn Lin (WC) — 6-4, 4-6, 10-7