By BLAISE BRYANT
Contributing Writer
The College of Saint Rose women’s tennis squad fell 8-1 to in-conference rival Saint Anselm, on the Golden Knights’ home court at Myers Middle School.
Saint Rose had to forfeit two singles sets, and one doubles set, leaving them at a 3-0 disadvantage coming into the match, with players Ashley Cunningham and Alyssa Haddad, both juniors, unable to play.
Due to a concussion Cunningham will likely be out for the entire spring season while Haddad had a prior commitment.
“In order to win, we would have to win five out of six sets,” said Greg Roman, first-year head coach.
Roman has coached in various places throughout the country, including Washington D.C. and Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Saint Anselm was able to improve their record both overall and in the Northeast-10 conference to 2-7, after both doubles sets were over.
The Golden Knights duo of freshman Gabriella Pizzanelli and Megan Stacklum were shut out 8-0 against Katie Morrissey and Kate Martin, a senior and junior at Saint Anselm.
The other doubles pairing of sophomore Paige Southwick and junior Maggie Moran fell just short 8-6 playing against Katherine Rhindo, a sophomore, and Courtney Russell, a freshman
Southwick was the Golden Knights’ strongest player, with several great serves and shots, as well as being the only player to settle the score of a singles set in a tiebreaker against Morrissey.
Southwick, who was playing at the one spot, did lose the set to the Hawks senior, the game ending with a score of 7-4.
Pizzanelli, who was playing the two spot, served up the only victory (8-3) against Rhindo. Moran, at the third spot fell just short 8-6 playing Martin. Stacklum at the fourth was defeated 8-3 to Russell.
Both teams battled blustery conditions, which significantly impacted the strategy of the players. Players on both sides did all they could do to stay warm during the early stages.
One Hawks player said while talking about the wind, it was so cold she just wanted to pack up and go home.
“I had to maneuver with my shots to see where the ball will bounce,” Stacklum said.
“I always tried to stay one step ahead of the wind,” said Moran.
The Golden Knights were communicating and encouraging their teammates playing on other courts at the middle school. Instead of giving up after the doubles matches, they gave it their best effort against both the Hawks and the wind.
“Now let’s get some coffee,” said Hawks head coach Nancy Driscoll, as they shivered off the court toward their bus.
The Golden Knights concluded the weekend with a 9-0 loss to Saint Michael’s. Southwick and Moran forced a tiebreaker, but only to fall 9-7.
Stacklum and Haddad earned two points, before falling 8-2 in the second doubles flight.
Next up for the Golden Knights is a date with Southern New Hampshire this Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Manchester, N.H.
