The Geneseo women's tennis team lost their second match of the season 5-4 to William Smith College last Thursday.
Sophomores Lauren Johnson and Melissa Baker won second doubles 8-5, but the Knights lost two of three doubles matches, as the first and third doubles teams lost. The deciding match was first doubles, where sophomores Julia Passik and Monica Vieth took a 7-3 lead but William Smith was able to come from behind to pick up a 9-7 win.
"The first loss was a pretty tough one," said head coach Jim Chen. "We played a pretty good style of doubles. If we had made the shots we usually do there was the possibility of being up 3-0."
Geneseo's attempt to come back fell short, though, and the team only took three out of the six singles matches. Senior Anna Lehet took fourth singles 6-1, 6-1, freshman Sarah Shields won sixth singles 6-4, 6-1 and Vieth responded after the tough doubles loss to win in straight sets 6-0, 6-3.
"I felt in control the whole time," Vieth said. "You always just have to forget about it and move on to your next match."
"Monica is a very polished player," Chen added. "She literally demolished her opponent."
The longest match of the night was the third singles match in which Passik lost in three sets; 2-6, 7-5 and 6-1."Her game is one of stamina and she is very good at that," Chen said. "That's what it turned out being, who could stay out there the longest."
Geneseo and William Smith were tied 4-4 after the rest of the matches, but the third singles match gave William Smith the 5-4 victory.
"Julia put up a wonderful fight," Chen added. "It was not the deciding match. Important as it was, we need some contributions from the doubles teams."
Chen said he plans on spending a lot of practice time in doubles and that the last three matches against some very difficult opponents indicate to the team what they need to work on.
"It tells us we need to put more effort in doubles," Chen said. "It certainly told us we are competitive."
Chen went on to say he is "very happy with the stage we are at" and said he believes the dedication the team has will help them as they prepare for nationals. The Knights' next match is Saturday when they go on the road to face Hamilton College.