Women’s Tennis Starts Spring Schedule with 9-0 Win
ALTOONA, Pa. – The Penn State Altoona women's tennis team resumed its 2022-23 season schedule on a windy Wednesday evening with a 9-0 victory over non-conference opponent Juniata College at the Adler Tennis Courts.
Playing in its first match since October 15, Penn State Altoona (5-8) blanked Juniata (0-6) by sweeping doubles and singles play. Wednesday's match was the first of two spring dates for the Penn State Altoona women's tennis team.
In doubles, the tandem of Rachel Stricek (Tyrone, PA/Tyrone)/Mikhaela Merca (Hummelstown, PA/Lower Dauphin) picked up their sixth win of the season together by pulling out a tight 8-7 (8-6) victory in the No. 1 match. Isabella Rhoades (Tyrone, PA/Tyrone)/Stephanie Swain (Yadkin County, NC/Forbush) followed by winning 8-3 in the No. 2 doubles spot for their team-leading ninth doubles win of the season. Penn State Altoona got a point in the No. 3 doubles match by forfeit.
Merca led off the singles lineup with a 7-5, 6-1 win in the No. 1 match for her team-best eighth singles win of the season. Stricek prevailed 6-3, 6-0 in the No. 2 slot for her sixth victory of the year, and Lydia Um (Hollidaysburg, PA/Hollidaysburg) whitewashed her opponent 6-0, 6-0 for her third win. Swain earned a 6-1, 6-3 triumph in No. 4 singles for her fifth win, and Rhoades posted a 6-0, 6-1 victory in No. 5 singles for her sixth victory of the season. Penn State Altoona won the No. 6 singles match by forfeit.
Penn State Altoona women's tennis will play its second and final date of the spring on Friday, April 14, when the Lions will host non-conference opponent Geneva College at 6 p.m.
