SU Tennis sweeps UConn in regular season finale

Syracuse women’s tennis ended its regular season on a high note Friday, sweeping the University of Connecticut, 7-0. The Orange finished the regular season 16-6 and 8-1 in the Big East.

Though an exciting end to the season, the match was bittersweet as it was the last one for seniors Christina Tan, Jacquelynn Tang, and Simone Kalhorn. Their coaches and fellow teammates honored all three girls in a ceremony before the match.

“This is not an easy program,” SU head coach Luke Jensen said. “These girls really set the tone for the whole rest of the team.”

Christina Tan certainly proved she would be missed after this year, winning at fifth singles 6-0, 6-1. Tan and junior Alessondra Parra were paired at third doubles where they also dominated, 8-3.

Fellow senior Simone Kalhorn also played well for the Orange, winning 6-1, 6-1 at fourth singles and 8-5 at second doubles with freshman Aleah Marrow. Kalhorn’s consistent serve is a huge asset for the team and aided in both of her victories.

The nationally ranked doubles team of Emily Harman and Maddie Kobelt continued their impressive run with another victory at first doubles, 8-3. Harman also recorded her 99th career singles victory with an easy win at first singles, 6-1, 6-4.

It didn’t come quite as easily for freshman Maddie Kobelt at third singles, who fell behind early and had to fight back to take the first set 7-5 in an excitingly close match. Kobelt had an easier time in the second set against junior Alexa Gregory, winning 6-2.

Singles play has been strong for the Orange all season, and the team finished with a record of 93-39. The girls have also been hard to beat at home, going 10-0 at their home court of Drumlins Tennis Center in Syracuse during the 2011 season.

After having such luck against conference rivals, the girls are excited for next weeks Big East tournament.

“We’ve played really well all season and I think it should continue into the tournament and hopefully even further,” Harman said.

The Big East tournament will take place April 28-May 1 in South Bend, Ind.