Women's College Tennis
Rider University at NJAIAW Tournament ? Day Two
Ashmore and Clay Capture Consolation Championships
MADISON ? Freshmen Danielle Ashmore (Sparta) and Allison Clay (East Brunswick) won the consolation championships for Flights “B” and “C” respectively on day two of the New Jersey Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (NJAIAW) Tennis Tournament at Drew University in Madison, N.J. “They outdid themselves,” said head coach Ed Torres. “This was our first year in the tournament, the only team there for the first time, and we didn't know how it was run. It was very surprising, but I am so proud.”
Rider sent four players to Sunday's semifinal and final rounds including Ashmore, Clay, senior Danielle Morse (Edison, N.J./Hopewell Valley) and freshman Danielle White (Reading, Pa./Reading). All four earned spots in their respective flights in the consolation championship finals.
Ashmore defeated Rider teammate White in the Flight “B” finals 8-0. She won her semifinal match against Cathy Arauz of Kean University 8-2. In her semifinal match, White defeated Carly Mora of Drew University 8-2.
“They [Ashmore, White and Clay] were all playing at once,” said Torres. “I didn't get to see Ashmore and White play each other, but I probably wouldn't have coached anyone. I would have just let them play. It would be unfair to coach one or the other.”
Clay faced two tough opponents from Princeton University in both the semifinal and final rounds for Flight “C.” She had a come from behind victory in the semifinal 8-6 and had a straight sets victory in the final 6-1, 6-3.
“Alison performed very well,” Torres said. “In her semifinal, she played a very strong server and was not the favorite to win. She was losing 3-4, and ended up winning 8-6, so it was a very good comeback. She played another good player from Princeton, a very strong program, so it was an excellent day for her.”
Morse defeated Sarah Cronholm of Drew 8-2 in the Flight “A” semifinals. She then lost a tough three set match to Rutgers-Newark's Monica Itturalde.
“Danielle played well in her semifinal,” said Torres. “She went right into the final and took the first set, but fatigue set in and she didn't have anything left for the last set.”
The women's team will return to action on Thursday, October 16th at 3:00pm when they take on Manhattan in conference action.
“These victories this past weekend built up the players' confidence,” adds Torres. “It's finally sinking in. Let's hope this will carry into the team match. I believe this is a winnable match.”
-RU-
