In a thrilling finale to the season, Cornell University's women’s tennis team demonstrated remarkable tenacity against Harvard, the reigning Ivy League champions. Despite an early lead, Cornell ultimately fell 4-2 in a match held Sunday afternoon at Reis Tennis Center. This outcome wraps up Cornell's campaign with a respectable 13-8 overall record (2-5 in Ivy play), while Harvard secured their spot in the NCAA Tournament with an unblemished 7-0 conference record.
The Big Red started strong by securing the doubles point, taking decisive victories on both the first and third courts. Notably, Alexandra Savu and Emma Baker completed their Ivy season undefeated with a smooth win at the No. 3 position. Their performance was complemented by Michelle Ryndin and Sage Loudon, who triumphed at the top doubles slot. These wins set the tone for an intense singles competition.
Harvard responded fiercely in singles play, claiming three consecutive matches before Jenny Wong provided Cornell's second victory with a hard-fought win over Kate Kim at No. 4. However, Harvard sealed their flawless Ivy season with a final three-set win at No. 6. The Crimson showcased their dominance throughout the season, but Cornell's efforts were commendable under the leadership of head coach Katie Zordani.
This season marked significant progress for Cornell, as they increased their total victories by five and doubled their Ivy League wins compared to previous years. They achieved their first winning season since sharing the Ivy League title during the 2016-17 academic year. Such strides reflect the dedication and improvement within the program, setting a promising foundation for future competitions.
As the curtain closes on this season, the Cornell women's tennis team can take pride in their growth and resilience. Although falling short against a formidable opponent, their journey highlights potential and underscores the value of consistent development. With renewed focus and experience gained, the squad looks forward to building on this season's achievements in upcoming tournaments.