PHILADELPHIA – The Goldey-Beacom College women's tennis team recorded its first ever program win over Philadelphia University on Sat. afternoon, winning the match 5-2.
The Lightning took two of the three doubles matches and three of the four singles matches before the two other matches were stopped due to the fact that GBC had already clinched the match.
When rain started at 11 a.m., prior to the start of any of the matches, PU was able to secure indoor time at Arthur Ashe Tennis center beginning at 1:30 p.m. It was then decided, as soon as one team (GBC or PU) reached a victory-clinching five points, the remaining matches in progress would be stopped, no matter where the players were regarding the end of their matches.
Lightning head coach Joe Kissel said the Lightning have been trying to reach the level that Philadelphia has been able to sustain for years in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference under recently retired head coach Marty Gilbert.
“Philadelphia University, under Marty Gilbert, has set the bar high in terms of producing quality tennis players and running a high-class college athletics program,” Kissel said. “With this win, I think Goldey-Beacom tennis is approaching a similar level of competitiveness and respect throughout the conference. I am truly proud of the girls today. This is an historic win.”
The Lightning lost at No. 1 doubles, but won at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. Freshmen Melanie Bonomo and Vanessa Velasquez defeated PU's Miller and Reinke, 8-4, and Luciana and Daniela Pereira followed with an 8-5 win at No. 3 doubles over Harris and Brzozowski.
In singles play, Bonomo fell to PU's Rodriguez 6-2, 6-1 at No. 1 singles. At No. 3 singles, freshman Blanca Sancho defeated Reinke 6-2, 6-1, and Velasquez defeated Villa at No. 4, 6-4, 6-3. Luciana Pereira then clinched a GBC match win with a 6-0, 6-3 win at No. 5 singles over PU's Miller.
Sophomore Marina Sales was leading in her No. 2 singles match, 3-6, 6-0, 3-0, and Daniela Pereira was ahead at No. 6 singles, 6-1, 2-6, 4-1 before both of their matches were stopped.
Kissel said the Goldey-Beacom College women's tennis team has come a long way in its five-year existence.
“We have had a high mountain to climb in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference since we started the program,” Kissel said. “Although we are not at the top yet, we definitely are on our way with this win today.”
AGATE:
GBC 5, Philadelphia U. 2
Doubles
- D. Rodriguez/B. Villa def. Marina Sales/Blanca Sancho 8-5
- Melanie Bonomo/Vanessa Velasquez def. S. Miller/S. Reinke 8-4
- Luciana Pereira/Daniela Pereira def. S. Harris/C. Brzozowski 8-5
Singles
- Melanie Bonomo def. Daniela Rodriguez 6-2, 6-1
- Marina Sales vs. Christina Brzozowski DNF
- Blanca Sancho def. Stephanie Reinke 6-2, 6-1
- Vanessa Velasquez def. Brittany Villa 6-4, 6-3
- Luciana Pereira def. Stephanie Miller 6-0, 6-3
- Daniela Pereira vs. Laura Beaver DNF
