After a tough loss against Georgia Tech last Sunday, the No. 15 Virginia women’s tennis team travelled to Blacksburg Sunday to take on its in-state rival in No. 30 Virginia Tech. The Commonwealth clash always is a meaningful contest for both sides, and Sunday the Cavaliers (12-9, 7-5 ACC) emerged victorious with a dominating 6-1 win.
The match started out well, as Virginia captured the doubles point with a quick 6-1 win at No. 1 and the deciding 6-3 victory at No. 3.
During singles play, the Hokies (14-7, 7-5 ACC) quickly evened up the score when senior Raluca Mita defeated Cavalier freshman Erica Susi at No. 5, 6-0, 6-3. But that would be the last match Virginia dropped that afternoon.
Soon after the defeat, senior Danielle Collins earned a 6-0, 6-4 win against Virginia Tech junior Francesca Fusinato at the top of the ladder. Next, senior Stephanie Nauta pulled out a tough 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 victory against Hokie sophomore Caroline Daxhelet to put the Cavaliers up 3-1. The match was then clinched when Virginia freshman Meghan Kelley notched a 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 win against senior Kelly Williford.
The Cavaliers also won the final two games of the match to close out a 6-1 win that should serve to revitalize the Cavaliers as the postseason looms.Virginia has two more home matches scheduled this weekend, as the team looks to gain momentum before the ACC tournament begins next Wednesday.