MACOMB, Ill. - The Leathernecks got out to a great start on Thursday (Apr. 11) , and never looked back. Western finished off Monmouth 7-0 to earn their first win in the 2013 season.
"Today was a tough day weather wise, so I was very proud of our young ladies and the poise in which they played," said head coach Chris Kane. "They kept moving their feet when the wind picked up and continually hit up on the ball to create top spin. Our players were determined to get a win today."
In doubles play, Western had two successful pairings. Jessica Callahan and Jessica Theobald both cruised past the Scots' Christine Peterson and Amanda Buck, 8-2. It was also the pairing of Yessenia Mejia and Holly Conlin who defeated Julianna Graf and Jessica Witherell by that same score of 8-2. However, Monmouth's pairing of Kristen Huffman and Joi Henry took down Elana Berdichevsky and Megan Pazdernick in a back and forth battle, 8-6.
"In doubles, I was particularly pleased with the play at number three doubles.of our two Jessica's, Callahan and Theobald," said Kane. "Their focus was to hit a lot of balls in the court without worrying about hitting winners. In the process they reduced unforced errors. They made very few errors and when they do they are tough to beat."
Singles play was dominated by the Leathernecks as they took all six. At number one singles, Mejia defeated Huffman 6-0, 6-2. Berdichevsky dropped Graf at number two singles, 6-4, 6-2. It was Pazdernick cruising past Henry, 6-1, 6-3 at number three singles. Conlin did in Witherell at number four singles, 6-2, 6-1. Number five singles saw Kristen Havelka defeat Peterson by a flawless 6-0, 6-0 decision. Finally, it was Ese Davis who overwhelmed Buck with a 6-1, 6-2 decision.
"Yessenia Mejia at number one singles was particularly consistent today. So was Kristen Havelka at number five," said Kane. "I thought Ese Davis at number six probably did the best job of hitting through the ball with continuity when the wind flared up."
The Leathernecks are next in action on Wednesday, April 17th at home against Bradley University. This will also be the last match of the season for the Leathernecks.
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