Gophers' Singles Rally Falls Short at Susquehanna

SELINSGROVE, Pa. — For the second time in as many days, Goucher found itself in a Landmark match which was ultimately decided by a single point. This afternoon, though, the Gophers were on the wrong end of a 5-4 score, as Susquehanna swept all three doubles matches and held on in singles for the victory.

With their 3-0 lead after doubles, the Crusaders (7-1, 1-1 Landmark) needed to win only two singles matches to clinch. Goucher (4-4, 1-1 Landmark) got on the board with a 6-4, 6-3 win from Kirsten Cianci (Bolton, Conn./Bolton) at the No. 4 spot. After Susquehanna earned its fourth point at No. 2, Leigh Oehrig (Woodbine, Md./Glenelg) kept the Gophers alive with a straight-set triumph at No. 6 (6-4, 6-4). The Crusaders, however, sealed things up with a 6-0, 7-5 win from Linsey Sipple.

Goucher's other two singles points each came in dramatic super tiebreaker matchups. Alex Walsh (Greens Farm, Conn./Staples) overcame Shelby O'Riley 6-2, 6-7 (4), 1-0 (10-7) from the top singles position, while Emily Ruff (Easton, Md./Easton) topped Alyssa Fleischman 6-7 (4), 6-3, 1-0 (15-13) in a marathon match at No. 3.

Both Cianci and Walsh moved to 2-0 in Landmark singles matches to begin the spring.

Today's match was ultimately decided by a pair of tight doubles tilts, as both No. 1 and No. 2 doubles were decided by 8-6 margins in favor of Susquehanna. With the defeat, the Gophers fall to 5-3 lifetime against the Crusaders since the formation of the Landmark Conference.

Goucher's next match is scheduled to take place at 3:30 p.m. this Tuesday against Randolph-Macon at the Goucher Tennis Courts.