The Elon University women's tennis team swept the University of Delaware 7-0 Thursday afternoon at the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center. Elon won every single set in the match, sweeping all six singles matches and the three doubles matches.
With inclement weather threatening the area, the teams decided to play singles ahead of doubles, which was done because of Delaware's long trip down to play Elon. Head coach Elizabeth Anderson thought the team adjusted well, but the players found the reversal challenging.
"Our main focus was on doubles and getting the doubles point," said sophomore Olivia Lucas, "but it was difficult because we had to play singles first. So I think today was a test of our mental strength and team unity."
Lucas cruised to a 6-0, 6-4 victory on Court No. 1 to give Elon its first point, and on Court No. 4, freshman Suzanne Zenoni won 6-3, 6-3 moments later to put Elon ahead by two.
Elon clinched the match 10 minutes later when two players — junior Natalia Janowicz and senior Taylor Casey — won their matches at nearly the same time. Janowicz won 6-2, 6-3 on Court No. 3 and Casey won her match on Court No. 6 moments later, 6-4, 6-2.
Sophomore Erica Braschi won on Court No. 2 by a score of 6-0, 7-5, extending her winning streak in singles play to seven. Sophomore Kristen Ward completed Elon's sweep of singles play on Court No. 5, winning 6-2, 7-6 (3).
In doubles, Lucas and Zenoni won on Court No. 2 6-2, and Janowicz and freshman Maria Paraja won 6-4 moments later on Court No. 3 to clinch the point for Elon.
Braschi and Casey came from behind to win on Court No. 1 6-2 to complete the match sweep.
"I'm glad we got to play the doubles today," Anderson said. "That's an area where we've been working a lot in, and I think it was good to be able to play."
The Phoenix improves to 8-9 on the season after its third straight win. Elon will travel to Harrisonburg, Virginia for two matches this weekend, facing James Madison University at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 2 and Towson University at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, April 3.