Women’s Tennis: ECAC Semifinal Loss to Penn

penn Rallies to Defeat columbia in ECAC Indoor Championship Semifinal

Columbia women’s tennis fought valiantly but ultimately fell to Ivy League rival Penn 4-3 in a grueling semifinal match at the ECAC Indoor Championship held at Lenz Tennis Center on Saturday. Despite capturing the doubles point and building a 3-1 lead, the lions (3-2) were unable to close out the contest as Penn mounted a determined comeback over the course of the three-plus hour affair.

The Lions initially seized control of the match, demonstrating early momentum and securing a crucial advantage in doubles play. The 53rd-ranked duo of Malak El Allami and Amber Yin dominated their opponents,Esha Velaga and Sasha Motlagh,with a decisive 6-0 victory. Gayathri krishnan and Sabrina Lin further solidified Columbia’s lead,soundly defeating maya Urata and Joleen Saw 6-2 on court two,securing the doubles point for the Lions.

Building on their early success, Columbia extended their advantage with swift wins in singles play. Krishnan showcased her skill, swiftly defeating Urata 6-0, 6-1 on court two. Margaret Hui added another point for the Lions, overcoming Motlagh in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6(3) on court six.

However, Penn responded with a relentless surge in singles competition. Velaga upset #106 El Allami 7-5, 6-1 at the top spot, igniting the Quakers’ comeback. Stojanovski followed with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Wang, narrowing the gap. Saw battled back from a first-set loss to defeat Baek 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, tying the score at 3-3. Vedula clinched the match for Penn with a hard-fought 7-6(5),4-6,6-4 win against Yin.

Singles

1. Esha Velaga (PENN) def. #106 Malak El Allami (COL), 7-5, 6-1
2. Gayathri Krishnan (COL) def. maya Urata (PENN), 6-0, 6-1
3. Lara Stojanovski (PENN) def. Sophia Wang (COL), 6-4, 7-5
4. Joleen saw (PENN) def. Emily Baek (COL), 4-6, 6-2, 6-3
5. Varsha Vedula (PENN) def. Amber Yin (COL), 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-4
6. Margaret Hui (COL) def. Sasha Motlagh (PENN), 6-2, 7-6(3)

Doubles

1. 53 Malak El Allami/Amber Yin (COL) def. Esha Velaga/Sasha Motlagh (PENN), 6-0

2. Gayathri Krishnan/sabrina Lin (COL) def. Maya Urata/Joleen Saw (PENN), 6-2
3. Emily Baek/Sophia Wang (COL) vs.Varsha Vedula/Lara stojanovski (PENN), 2-5 unfinished

Order of finish: Doubles (1,2); Singles (2,1,6,3,4,5)

FOLLOWING THE LIONS
Stay up to date on all things Columbia Women’s Tennis by following the Lions on Twitter (@CULionsWTEN), Instagram (@culionswten) and on Facebook (@ColumbiaAthletics).