The SRU tennis team began its season at the PSAC Individual Championships in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania this past weekend.
The team competed in both singles and doubles at the tournament, and had players advance onto the second round in both divisions.
Sophomores Nina Barbano and Carla Corrochano Moracho competed in singles, while junior Tiffany Kollah and freshman Amanda Bruscemi competed in doubles.
“We did okay overall,” head coach Matt Meredith said. “It was a good tournament for the most part, and we played well.”
The team was excited to get out there and get the season going.
“We got to go out there and finally play,” Meredith said. “We got to go out and hit balls, and compete against somebody other than our own teammates.”
Kollah and Bruscemi produced a first round victory against Clarion winning 8-3, before losing in the second round 8-4 to Indiana.
“I thought my doubles team did fairly well, but got the number two seed in the second round and had a difficult match-up,” Meredith said.
However, Meredith thought very highly of how his team performed in the doubles division.
“They definitely played them very well, and held their own,” Meredith said. “For having somebody that hasn’t played in two years due to transfer, and a freshman.”
Moracho, won her first round match-up with ease, defeating Jess Burns of Kutztown in straight sets, (6-1, 6-1).
Moracho eventually fell in the second round to West Chester’s Maddy Shaak 6-4.
After the first round was completed, play was suspended due to rain.
“The rain came in and we were down to a set, and it’s tough to play for anyone,” Meredith said. “When you get into later rounds it’s tough to go anyway, I think if Carla had played a full match she would’ve been warmed up and had a better shot.”
Barbano, won her first round match 6-0, 6-1 against Shippensburg’s Gabbie Binder.
Followed by a second round win over Gabriela Bachinksk of Bloomsburg, 6-1.
With wins in both of these matches Barbano advanced onto the quarterfinals of the PSAC Championships
“I was pretty much just playing my own game, and using strategy,” Barbano said. “It felt pretty good to advance to the quarterfinals.”
“She had a good draw, and she’s a solid player,” Meredith said. “She’s gonna take care of players who aren’t quite up to her, and she’ll knock them off pretty easily.”
Barbano’s quest for the singles crown would end with a 6-0 loss to Saioa Gomez de Segura of Mercyhurst.
Gomez de Segura went on to win the singles tournament.
Overall the team was very pleased with their performance this past weekend, and are looking forward to the ITA Tournement.
“I think we did pretty good,” Barbano said. “We’re definitely going to build off of this motivation, and it gives me a little more to work for and a boost of confidence.”
The team will travel to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Championships in Erie, Pennsylvania on Saturday.
