Lady Warriors Come Up Short in Opening Match
Knopp Notches Comeback Victory During Promising Contest
Match Results 

WILLIAMSPORT. Pa. --- Lycoming women’s tennis came up on the short side during its season opening matching against Messiah College, falling to the Falcons 8-1 at Bruce Henry Park on Monday afternoon.  Although the final result overwhelmingly favored Messiah, the six individual singles matches left Lady Warrior head coach Deb Holmes feeling that better days are ahead.

Two of the four newcomers came back from a set down during the singular showings including freshman Brittany Knopp’s (Allenwood, Pa.) triumph at #1 singles.  After dropping the first set 2-6, the former Montgomery Area High standout charged back to take the second set 7-6 (after tie-breakers) before clinching the match with a 10-4 win in the final stanza.

At #5 singles, fellow first year racqueteer Kelly Drinkard (Seaville, N.J.) recovered from a first set loss to take the second frame 6-4 against Messiah’s Annie Gotchel.  A valiant effort came up short in the final set with Gotchel winning 6-3.

In other singles action, freshman Liz Koury (Mansfield, Pa.) put up a strong fight at the #2 position and narrowly losing the first set 6-7, but the Falcons’ Sandra Sumner took control in the second with a 6-2 win.  Senior Lauren Paich (Stanhope, N.J.) fell to Leah Bradshaw 6-3, 6-2 at #3 singles, and freshman Amiee Snyder (Kempton, Pa.) dropped two straight sets to Christie McGinley 6-2, 6-2.

Sophomore Jessica Souchik (Lewis Run, Pa.) made a strong run at the first set in the sixth spot, but eventually lost the frame 6-4.  Erin Kriner took the second set 6-2 to earn the Falcons’ final point.

Messiah picked up all three victories doubles action, winning the #1 tandem match 8-3, and taking both #2 and #3 doubles by 8-4 scores.

Lycoming is next in action on Thursday, September 7, as the Lady Warriors travel to Wilkes University to battle the Colonels.  Match time is set for 3:30 p.m. in Wilkes-Barre.