WATERVILLE, ME (April 26, 2025) -- In a strong statement heading into the regular season finale on Sunday, the No. 14 Tufts University women's tennis team posted an impressive 6–1 victory on the road against No. 36 Colby College at the Alfond Recreation Center on Saturday afternoon.
The Jumbos (15–4, 6–3 NESCAC) turned in a dominant performance across both singles and doubles play, showcasing depth, resilience, and energy as they wrapped up their conference schedule.
Tufts quickly established momentum in doubles competition. First-years Natalie Hu and Sophie Wax set the tone at No. 1 doubles, rolling to a 6–1 win over Colby's Isabella Suk and Michaela Landry. Hu and Wax, who have developed into one of the NESCAC's top duos, used aggressive net play and consistent returns to overwhelm their opponents.
Colby responded at No. 2 doubles, where Ella Novion and Amelie Gal edged senior twins Stephanie and Melanie Woodbury, 6–4, in a tightly contested match. However, Tufts reclaimed control at No. 3 doubles, as sophomore Athena Li and first-year Brooklyn Bindas turned in a poised 6–3 win over Jade Finestone and Waka Aida, clinching the crucial doubles point for the Jumbos.
With a 1–0 lead heading into singles, Tufts continued to apply pressure. The Jumbos quickly extended their advantage thanks to commanding performances on the back courts. At No. 5 singles, Natalie Hu capped off a dominant afternoon with a 6–1, 6–1 win over Colby's Amelie Gal. Hu's relentless groundstrokes and precise shot placement left little opportunity for her opponent to gain footing.
Senior Sophie Wax was equally impressive at the No. 6 spot, controlling play from start to finish in a 6–3, 6–2 victory over Isabella Suk. Wax's consistency and ability to dictate rallies continued her outstanding final collegiate regular season.
At No. 4 singles, Athena Li battled through an intense match with Colby's Waka Aida. After narrowly dropping the opening set 5–7, Li rebounded with a determined 6–4 second set. She carried the momentum into the third, leading 2–0 before Aida was forced to retire due to injury, securing another point for Tufts.
While Colby earned their lone point at No. 1 singles — with Jade Finestone prevailing over Melanie Woodbury in a pair of competitive 6–4 sets — the Jumbos closed out the match with strong efforts at No. 2 and No. 3 singles.
Colby transfer Ellie Gershaw showed tremendous resilience against former teammate Michaela Landry at second singles. After a tight first set loss, Gershaw shifted gears and dominated the remainder of the match, racing through the second and third sets 6–0, 6–2 to give Tufts its fifth point of the day.
At third singles, Lucy Mitchell demonstrated grit and composure after a slow start. Mitchell dropped the opening set to Ella Novion but responded with sharp adjustments, securing the match 2–6, 6–2, 6–3 to finish off the Jumbos' 6–1 triumph.
The Jumbos will stay in Maine this evening before taking on Bowdoin College in an important NESCAC match Sunday at 11 a.m. in Brunswick, ME in the regular season finale.
--JUMBOS--
