SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – The Iona University women's tennis team opened its dual-match schedule with a historic victory on Friday evening, defeating Skidmore, 4-3, for the program's first dual-match win in 23 years. The Gaels concluded their weekend road trip with a 5-2 setback against Colgate on Saturday at McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center.
FRIDAY VS. SKIDMORE
The Gaels battled back after dropping the doubles point, securing four singles victories to earn their first dual-match win since the program's return to varsity competition. The tandem of
Lara Lanno and
Garance Laforet opened doubles action with a 6-2 victory over Ellie Lake and Collette Prokop. Skidmore claimed the remaining two doubles matches to take the early 1-0 advantage.
Iona responded with a strong showing in singles competition, led by
Lara Lanno at the No. 1 position. Lanno earned a straight-set victory over Ellie Lake, 6-0, 6-4.
Garance Laforet followed with a three-set victory at No. 2 singles, defeating Kendall Olivas, 6-3, 3-6, 10-1.
At No. 5 singles,
Saanvi Raniga rallied after dropping the opening set against Mia Rosenberg. Raniga responded with a 6-2 second-set victory before taking the deciding tiebreaker, 10-6, to complete the comeback win for the first victory of her collegiate career.
With the team score tied at 3-3,
Chinonso Okpara delivered the decisive point at No. 3 singles. After splitting the opening two sets with Collette Prokop, Okpara dominated the deciding tiebreaker, 10-3, to secure the 6-3, 3-6, 10-3 victory for her first collegiate win and clinch Iona's first dual-match win in 23 years.
SATURDAY VS. COLGATE
Iona returned to the courts Saturday for its second dual match of the weekend, falling to Colgate, 5-2.The Raiders swept doubles competition to take the opening point before the Gaels picked up a pair of victories in singles play.
Lanno continued her strong weekend at the top of the lineup, defeating Mila Montero in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4. The victory marked her second singles win in as many matches. Okpara also completed an undefeated weekend in singles competition, cruising past Sophia Kurinets, 6-0, 6-3, at the No. 3 position.
Colgate claimed the remaining four singles matches to secure the team victory.
UP NEXT
The Gaels will make their debut at Meyer Athletic Center on Tuesday, Oct. 20, hosting St. Thomas Aquinas College in a rescheduled dual match. First serve is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
