BRONXVILLE, NY – The Pratt Institute women's tennis team extended their season-long winning streak to four, besting the Gryphons of Sarah Lawrence College 8-1 in non-conference play at the SLC Tennis Courts.
In No. 1 doubles play, the tandem of Amanda Twu and Melanie Kania battled back from a 5-1 deficit to take the match 9-7, giving Pratt the early advantage. Neeka Gilardian and Caroline Madden doubled the Cannoneer lead with an 8-1 decision in No. 2 doubles, while Morgan Ferweda and Huize Wu's 8-4 victory allowed Pratt to sweep all three flights as play shifted to singles.
Battling leg cramps and playing sick, Pratt's No. 1, Amanda Twu, was unable to come back after having her serve broken twice by Sarah Lawrence's Alexis Nanavaty, leading to a 8-6 match win for the home side. Pratt's Melanie Kania trailed in No. 2 singles 4-2 before regaining composure and putting away Jade Barnett-Irons 8-4. Neeka Gilardian and Caroline Madden rolled to victories in their singles matches, while Huize Wu earned a 6-0 victory in No. 6 singles.
The highlight of the evening came in No. 5 singles, as Pratt's Morgan Ferweda beat the Gryphon's Rebecca Manillo. Trailing Manillo 7-4, Ferweda saved three match points and rallied to win five consecutive games to take the match 9-7.
"Morgan put forward a great effort this evening," noted head coach David Eddy following the junior's rally. "Both her and Huize Wu were the most improved, and we need them as we enter the final weeks of the season."
Up Next: The Cannoneers will travel to Newburgh, NY for a non-conference match against the Knights of Mt. St. Mary's College on Sunday. First serve is scheduled for noon.
