Women's Tennis | 10/15/2024 7:09:32 PM
No. 4 Russell Sage College (8-5) won its first E8 postseason match in program history, defeating No. 5 seed St. John Fisher University (4-7) by a score of 5-2 in the opening round of the 2024 Empire 8 Women’s Tennis Tournament Championship from Utica University on Tuesday afternoon.
The Gators raced out to a 2-1 lead after doubles competition. Emma Nuzzi and Tirzah Spivey earned an 8-4 win for the Gators at the first position over Abby Garvey and Maddy Langley, while Russell Sage's second doubles grouping of Marian Aguirre and Olivia Monaco defeated Sydney Emerson and Lilly Renzi by the same score. Grace Fisher and Lily Miller got the Cardinals on the board at third doubles, 8-3 over Jessica Korbieh and Emma Vander Baan.
Russell Sage used its strength at the top of the lineup to pull away in singles action, as Aguirre rolled to a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Langley and Spivey defeated Renzi, 6-1, 6-0. Aguirre remained unbeaten at 12-0 on the year, while Spivey moved to 13-0.
Miller earned St. John Fisher's second point with a 6-2, 6-0 win over Nuzzi at third singles before Monaco put the match away for the Gators at fourth singles in three sets over Fisher, 6-1, 3-6, 6-2.
The Gators advance to take on top-seed Hartwick College on Friday in the opening E8 semifinal contest at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Sharp Courts. Russell Sage and top-seed Hartwick recently met on Oct. 4, with the Hawks earning a 7-1 win. Hartwick won all three doubles points, while Spivey earned Russell Sage's lone point at second singles.
For the most up to date information on this year's championship, follow the Empire 8 Conference on X and Instagram (@Empire8).
2024 Empire 8 Women's Tennis Championship Schedule
Tuesday, October 15 – First Round (at Utica University)
No. 4 Russell Sage College defeated No. 5 St. John Fisher University, 5-2
Wednesday, October 16 – First Round
No. 6 SUNY Brockport at No. 3 Nazareth University -
4 p.m.
Friday, October 18 – Semifinals hosted by Hartwick College
Outdoor - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Sharp Courts, Burdett Rd., Troy, NY 12180
Indoor - Tri City Fitness, 944 Loudon Rd, Latham, NY 12110
No. 1 Hartwick College vs. No. 4 Russell Sage - 12 p.m.
No. 2 SUNY Geneseo vs. Winner of No. 3 Nazareth/No. 6 SUNY Brockport -
3 p.m.
Saturday, October 19 – Championship hosted by Hartwick College
Outdoor - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Sharp Courts, Burdett Rd., Troy, NY 12180
Indoor - Tri City Fitness, 944 Loudon Rd, Latham, NY 12110
Winner of Semifinal #1 vs. Winner of Semifinal #2 – 2 p.m.
Format: Dual match is played until decision (5 points) Three doubles matches are followed by six singles matches. No-ad scoring for both singles and doubles matches. Singles matches will play two out of three sets. Doubles play eight pro set with a twelve-point tiebreaker at 7-all.
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
www.empire8.com.
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