Mountain Hawks continue home stand in search of first win
Posted: 02/09/2012 | Last updated: February 10, 2012 at 10:31 AM
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh women’s tennis team returns to the court this weekend in search of its first win of the season. The Mountain Hawks will host Mount St. Mary’s on Saturday before hosting Delaware on Sunday.
The Mountain Hawks hoped the third time would be a charm, but Lehigh lost a tight doubles point and could only muster three singles wins in a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to Saint Francis (Pa.) last Sunday. Lehigh started with leads in all three double matches but were unable to hold leads at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles as the Red Flash seized the doubles point with a tiebreak win at first doubles.
Misfortune struck the Mountain Hawks in singles play as Liz Piscitelli was forced to retire with an injury in her match at No. 3 singles. Lehigh did receive solid performances from sophomore Jenai Bilimoria at No. 1 singles and freshmen Abby Farrell and Gabby Drucker at No. 2 and No. 5 singles respectively.
Mount St. Mary’s will open its spring season Saturday against Lehigh. The Mountaineers were 3-2 in fall matches, and 12-9 last season. Last year, the Mount earned a 4-3 victory over Lehigh.
On Sunday, Lehigh welcomes a strong Delaware team out of the Colonial Athletic Association. The Blue Hens will open their spring campaign on Sunday. Delaware was 13-5 in 2011, earning the No. 6 seed and advancing to the quarterfinals of the CAA tournament. The Blue Hens have had their way with Lehigh in recent years, including a 7-0 Delaware victory last season here in Bethlehem.
Both weekend matches will take place in the Lewis Tennis Center. Saturday’s match will begin at 2 p.m. while Sunday’s match will start at 11 a.m.
Story by Opeyemi Akinbamidele ‘12