Women's tennis beats East Carolina University 4-3

Strong performances by the women's tennis freshmen helped the Spiders beat the East Carolina Pirates 4-3 on a chilly Thursday afternoon at the University of Richmond.

Richmond started off the day with two doubles victories and held off the Pirates throughout the rest of play. Doubles wins by the pair of sophomore Melissa Kandinata and freshmen Katya Salas and the freshman duo of Anna Abadias and Emily Gitman, secured the point for the Spiders.

Kandinata and Salas held off a late run by their ECU opponents and managed to come away with an 8-5 victory. The freshman combo of Abadias and Gitman won its match handily 8-3.

"Our doubles play has improved a lot this season," Salas said. "Once we all got used to playing together, everything just became a little bit more natural."

In singles play, Kandinata defeated her opponent 6-1, 6-2 at the No. 1 position to pace the Spiders. Senior Alexandra Smyth gave Richmond a point by winning her match 6-1, 6-3.

Salas used three sets to win her match and clinch the day for the Spiders from the No. 4 position 6-3, 2-6, 6-4.

"Our younger players really won the match for us today," junior Elizabeth Sims said. "They gave us the edge early, and we were able to maintain that momentum."

Richmond is now 5-11 for the season, but is looking to use the momentum from this victory to prepare for two final matches at home and the A-10 Championships. Next, the Spiders will take on the Liberty Flames on Tuesday at home.

Contact reporter James Riddick at james.riddick@richmond.edu