Elon women’s tennis topped the College of William & Mary in its final match of the regular season.
The day started with an impressive doubles win from sophomores Simone Bergeron and Mariana Reding. The pair won 6-4, improving their doubles record to 16-3. Reding said their success comes down to their unspoken connection.
“It’s our chemistry,” Reding said. “I know what she’s doing, and she knows what I’m doing. We have special plays that we name differently from everybody.”
On top of impressive volleys and consistent rallies, Bergeron’s energy, which is often shown with triumphant screams, is another key factor in their success.
“When she screams, I scream, I just really enjoy it,” Reding said. “I know she loves playing with me, and I love playing with her.”
Senior Miray Konar and freshman Heidi Bulger, who formed Elon’s third doubles team, sealed a second 6-4 doubles win for the Phoenix.
As Elon carried a 1-0 lead into singles play, the match turned into a battle.
Riding off a tight doubles win, Bulger’s consistent shots led to a win in singles as well. The freshman finished the year with a 16-4 singles record.
Junior Madison Cordisco, who fell behind early in her first singles set, clawed back to take it in a 7-2 tiebreaker. Head coach Elizabeth Anderson said she was not surprised.
“She played hard today,” Anderson said. “She plays with grit and finds a way to dig deep.”
Coming off an impressive doubles win, Reding fell behind early in singles play, dropping the first set 6-4. In between sets, she decided to take a quick break.
“I looked at myself in the mirror and thought, ‘You’re not losing,’” Reding said. “I felt like I made it hard for her to win the first set. I just had the mindset of challenging her to do it again.”
As Reding returned to the court, the momentum began to shift. Her ball became flatter, hitting with more aggression earlier in the point. She fought to take the second set 6-3, and cruised to a 6-1 win in the third, hearing the crowd cheering behind her.
“When playing singles, I could hear everybody screaming,” Reding said. “I felt like I was playing for a team.”
Reding’s comeback sealed the match for the Phoenix. Elon won 4-2.
“It was a great competitive atmosphere here today,” Anderson said. “Both teams fought hard, and I’m proud. Today showed the team we can be.”
Elon now turns its attention to the CAA Tournament, which will be hosted at Elon.
“We’re excited to be hosting,” Anderson said. “All season we’ve been trying to get ‘one day better.’ We’re excited for the challenges and battles ahead.”
The tournament begins on April 25 at the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center.