Blue Tennis Downs Clark, 8-1

WELLESLEY, Mass. -- The Wellesley College tennis team posted an 8-1 victory over NEWMAC-foe Clark University on Saturday afternoon in a Homecoming contest at Wellesley. The win lifts the Blue to 4-0, 3-0 in the NEWMAC, while Clark slips to 0-4, 0-3 in conference play.

Marie Watanabe led the way for the Blue, picking up two wins on the afternoon. The senior anchored a number one doubles victory with partner Sojung Lee, and then won her number one singles match easily, 6-1, 6-1.

Wellesley jumped out to a 2-1 lead after doubles play. Watanabe and Lee won their match, 8-1 over Clark's Gaby Suriano and Sarah Sachs, while the Blue's third doubles team of Morgan Johnstonbaugh and Raji Nagalla defeated Martha Ziemer and Holly DiMichele, 8-6.

The Cougars got on the board at number two doubles, as Julia Bergeron and Virginia Cooke teamed up for an 8-6 victory over Wellesley's Lauren Wilbur and Elena Bowen.

In singles, the Blue took all six flights in straight sets to seal the 8-1 victory. After Watanabe, Melissa Clark was a 6-0, 6-0 winner over Bergeron at two and Erica Choo defeated Maggie Swann, 6-3, 6-1 at three.

In flights four, five and six, the Blue surrendered just one game to Clark. Diana Granger defeated Virginia Cooke, 6-0, 6-0, while Kendall Tada was a 6-1, 6-0 winner over Kristen Cullity. Wrapping up singles play, Emily Bary was a 6-0, 6-0 winner over Martha Ziemer at six.

Wellesley returns to the courts tomorrow at 2:00pm traveling to Williams to face the #1 team in the nation. Clark continues conference play on Tuesday, playing Springfield on the road at 4:00pm.