The Saint Joseph's women's tennis team recently faced off against Bucknell in an intense match that concluded their weekend series. Despite putting up a strong fight, the Hawks ultimately fell to the Bison with a close 4-3 score. While doubles play initially favored the home team, Saint Joseph’s showcased resilience and competitive spirit during singles matches, securing three victories. Coach Jeff Puhan expressed pride in his team's improvement despite the loss, highlighting their energy and determination as they prepare for their next challenge against Delaware.

In this encounter, Bucknell secured the doubles point by prevailing in the first and third flights, while Charlotte Kordonowy and Brooke Tackett managed a win for Saint Joseph’s in the second flight. During singles competition, Kordonowy, Wiktoria Czerny, and Gisele Tang each claimed victories for the Hawks. However, Bucknell’s dominance in the remaining flights sealed their triumph. The Hawks now focus on refining their strategies ahead of their upcoming matchup.

Initial Doubles Challenges

Bucknell started strong in doubles play, taking control of the first and third flights to secure the crucial doubles point. Although facing early adversity, Saint Joseph’s demonstrated grit through a victory in the second flight thanks to Charlotte Kordonowy and Brooke Tackett. This success provided a much-needed boost heading into singles matches.

From the outset, the Bison dominated the doubles format, leveraging cohesive teamwork to clinch decisive wins. Their pairing of Whitney King and Abby Platt excelled in the first flight, outpacing Wiktoria Czerny and Victoria Tracey. Similarly, Cameron King and Jaycie Mair overcame Ana Ocasio and Gisele Tang in the third flight. Nevertheless, Kordonowy and Tackett shone brightly in the second flight, defeating Riley Jennings and Anna Lajos with precision and strategy. This pivotal moment set the stage for an exciting transition to singles action.

Resilience Shown in Singles Play

Transitioning to singles, the Hawks displayed remarkable perseverance, capturing three victories amidst stiff competition. Standout performances from Charlotte Kordonowy, Wiktoria Czerny, and Gisele Tang underscored their tenacity and skill under pressure. Despite falling short overall, their efforts reflect significant progress recognized by head coach Jeff Puhan.

During singles play, Saint Joseph’s athletes fought valiantly across all flights. Kordonowy delivered a standout performance in the third flight, overcoming Jaycie Mair with calculated moves and steady composure. Likewise, Czerny showcased her prowess in the second flight, defeating Tori Allen convincingly. Tang also contributed significantly, emerging victorious in the fourth flight after a grueling three-set battle against Mirra Manolov. Unfortunately, Bucknell’s consistent strength in other flights tipped the scales in their favor. As acknowledged by Coach Puhan, these hard-fought experiences will prove invaluable as the Hawks continue honing their skills for future contests, including their impending duel with Delaware.