Atlanta – In an exciting matchup, Sarah Donnelly led the 14th-ranked Washington and Lee women’s tennis team to a thrilling victory over No. 7 Emory, securing a spot in the national quarterfinals for the first time in five years.
Here’s how the match unfolded:
The doubles competition was intense. After Emory secured a win at No. 2 and W&L triumphed at No. 3, the first doubles match became the decisive battle. Emory’s duo, Emily Kantrovitz and Iris Berman, clinched the doubles point in a tense tiebreak, winning 7-6 (4).
Lauren Long bounced back in singles, dominating Kantrovitz with a 6-4, 6-0 victory, putting W&L on the scoreboard. However, Emory quickly countered, winning at No. 2 and No. 6, pushing them close to victory.
Allie Murrell kept hope alive for W&L, winning 6-3, 6-3 at No. 4. First-year player Margarette Berdy followed up with a solid 6-2, 7-5 win at No. 5, leading to a crucial match at No. 3 singles.
Donnelly faced Izzy Antanavicius and took the first set with a score of 6-2. Antanavicius fought back, taking the second set 6-4. In the deciding third set, Antanavicius jumped to a 3-1 lead, but Donnelly showed her strength, rallying back to win 6-4, sealing the match for the Generals.
Noteworthy Stats:
- This victory marks W&L’s first entry into the national quarterfinals since 2021. It ended Emory’s impressive 17-year streak of appearances.
- Both Long and Donnelly secured wins against top-tier competition. Kantrovitz ranks eighth in Division III, while Antanavicius holds the ninth spot nationally.
- W&L achieved their best season record in nearly a decade, with 22 wins against just two losses, surpassing their previous record from the 2014-15 season.
Next, the Generals will face No. 4 Wesleyan (Conn.) on May 18 at the Champions Tennis Club in Chattanooga, with match details to follow.
Washington and Lee University, established in 1749 and located in the scenic mountains of Virginia, is a leading NCAA Division III institution. The university is known for its commitment to excellence in athletics, with over 500 student-athletes competing across 24 varsity sports. For updates on W&L sports, visit www.generalssports.com or follow them on social media at @WLUGenerals.
This remarkable season highlights the dedication and talent of the Generals, promising an exciting future for the team and its supporters.
