In a thrilling encounter at the Thalhimer Tennis Center, Fordham University's women's tennis team secured a hard-fought 4-2 victory against Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). This win marked the conclusion of their Spring Break trip with two consecutive victories over Atlantic 10 rivals. Coach Michael Sowter highlighted the resilience and determination displayed by his team, noting that triumphs within the conference carry extra significance.
On a sunny Sunday in late March, amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Richmond, Virginia, the Fordham Rams demonstrated remarkable perseverance on the courts of the Thalhimer Tennis Center. The day began promisingly as Fordham clinched the doubles point through victories in two out of three matches. Paola Ueno Dalmonico and Catalina Padilla Udaeta led off with an impressive 6-1 win over Andrea Magallanes and Yelizaveta Karlova. Following this, Lorraine Bergmann and Lily Chitambar sealed the deal with a closely contested 7-5 triumph over Sofia Jane Thorne and Lea Malazdra.
Transitioning into singles play, VCU initially took control, securing wins at second and third positions. However, Fordham's tenacity shone brightly as Lily Chitambar equalized the score with a straightforward win at fourth singles. Nevena Kolarevic then tipped the scales back in favor of Fordham with a dramatic comeback victory at first singles, overcoming an early deficit. Finally, Paola Ueno Dalmonico delivered the decisive blow with another resilient performance at fifth singles, ensuring Fordham's ultimate triumph.
This match serves as a testament to the importance of persistence and teamwork in sports. As Coach Sowter remarked, these types of victories hold special meaning within the competitive landscape of the Atlantic 10 Conference. Looking ahead, the Rams eagerly anticipate their next challenge against St. John’s University, scheduled for March 29th, where they will aim to continue their winning streak on home soil.