Courtesy Williams Sports Information

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. - After a spectacular season, the Williams women's tennis team's hunt for an NCAA national championship came to an end today as Ephs dropped their semifinal match to Washington & Lee, falling 5-0. Though the loss puts Williams out of contention for the National Championship, is does not mark the end of Williams' season as the women will compete in the consolation match.

Williams played Washington & Lee once before, and won 5-4. Coach Julie Greenwood said, "Competitively, the toughest position to be in is to defend after a close win. We know they would come out hard and they did. "

Washington & Lee came out with a strong doubles performance. Cary Gibson and Annie Schneidman of Williams fell early on court one, by a score of 8-3. Soon after, Ephs Ashley Parsons and Annie Hancock dropped their match by an 8-5 score.

Despite getting down early, Grace Baljon and Allie Rottkamp put up a strong fight on court two. Their efforts were not enough, however, as the Williams duo fell by a score of 9-8. The point turned out to be crucial for Washington & Lee, as going into singles the Ephs would need to take five of six points to salvage a victory.

"In almost every instance, matches at this level really come down to momentum. W and L really never let up and played confident, composed, and aggressive tennis. We fought hard but from then on out it was an uphill battle," said Greenwood.

Washington & Lee continued their strong performance in singles play, allowing only Annie Hancock on court four and Grace Baljon on court two to come out with victories after the first set.

Washington & Lee gained another point on court three, where Parsons fell 6-2, 6-1. Down 4-0, the Ephs were unable to fight back. Allie Rottkamp dropped her match, also by a score of 6-2, 6-1, as the Ephs fell 5-0.

Washington & Lee continued their strong performance in singles play, allowing only Annie Hancock on court four and Grace Baljon on court two to come out with victories after the first set.

"We are obviously incredibly disappointed - the girls have worked hard, come incredibly far, and were in it to win it. But we are happy to have the opportunity to translate that disappointment into a great match tomorrow. Only two teams in the tournament end on a win and we'll do everything we can to be one of them." said Greenwood.

Washington & Lee continued their strong performance in singles play, allowing only Annie Hancock on court four and Grace Baljon on court two to come out with victories after the first set.

Tomorrow, the Ephs will face Sewanee at 9am in the third place match.  

Doubles
1. Emily Applegate/Kristen McClung (W&L) def. Cary Gibson/Annie Schneidman 8-3
2. Katie Tabb/Ginny Wortham (W&L) def. Grace Baljon/Allie Rottkamp 9-8
3. Lauren Caire/Leah Weston (W&L) def. Ashley Parsons/Annie Hancock 8-5

Singles
1. Emily Applegate (W&L) led Cary Gibson 6-3, 4-5 DNF
2. Grace Baljon (W) vs Ginny Wortham 6-1, 1-6 DNF
3. Katie Tabb (W&L) def. Ashley Parsons, 6-2, 6-1
4. Kelly Will (W&L) def. Allie Rottkamp 6-2, 6-1
5. Annie Hancock (W) led Kristen McClung 6-3, 2-1
6. Leah Weston (W&L) led Annie Schneidman 6-2, 4-3