April 20, 2008
FLUSHING, N.Y- For the second time in as many years, the Marist women's tennis team is the champion of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. The Red Foxes breezed by Fairfield 7-0 at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y. to complete a perfect 9-0 MAAC season. Erin Godly (Verona, Ky.) and Christine Ong (Tarzana, Calif.) were named Co-Most Outstanding Performers of the Tournament.
The Red Foxes dominated the singles action all afternoon and won two of three doubles matches for the doubles point.
Godly and Alexa Strange (Valencia, Calif.) defeated Dana Postupack and Paulina Rys 8-6 in first doubles. The Marist pair was trailing through much of the match but rallied and won the last three games of the match for the win.
Christine Ong (Tarzana, Calif.) and Cassie Strange (Valencia, Calif.) fell in second doubles to Michael Cerrone and Gretchen Amberg 8-6. Ong and Strange were trailing 7-4 before cutting the lead to one, but the rally fell short as the Fairfield duo was able to hold on for the win.
Natalie Fouché (Queens, N.Y.) and (Bayamon, Puerto Rico) had no trouble in a win in third doubles. They won 8-3 over Marisa Volshin and Alyssa Ruiz.
"That win in number one doubles really set the tone for the match," Marist Head Coach Roge Nesbitt said. "Erin and Alexa did a great job battling back and getting us the momentum."
Ong won in first singles for the Red Foxes. She defeated Postupack 7-5, 6-0. After a tough first set, the Marist senior turned up the heat and cruised in the second set.
Erin Godly had no trouble with Paulina Rys in second singles. She won 6-1, 6-1. The win completed her personal perfect season in which she did not lose a single MAAC match.
"After making the finals four straight years, its nice to finish my career with these two championships," said Godly following the win. "Last year was a great experience, and I am looking forward to playing a nationally ranked opponent again this year."
Cassie Strange won 6-3, 6-2 over Alyssa Ruiz in third singles. The sophomore was able to force Ruiz into many errors and was in complete control throughout.
Alexa Strange was a 6-0, 6-3 winner in fourth singles. After dominating the first set, she went up 3-0 in the second set and looked to be cruising. Her opponent, Michaela Cerrone, won the next three games to knot the second set at three all. Strange then turned up the pressure and won the last three games for the set and the match.
Mirelva Colon (Bayamon, Puerto Rico) was a 6-3, 6-4 winner in fifth singles. The junior played steady throughout, and Lauren Bonnano never really threatened.
Courtney Price was no match for (Kingwood, Texas) in sixth singles. Zampello cruised 6-3, 6-2 to complete the shutout.
"I am excited for our team and the men's team," Nesbitt said. "We were focused and mentally tough in all nine of our matches, and I am just really proud of the entire team."
Marist will find out their NCAA Tournament opponent on Tuesday, April 29. ESPN News will air the Selection Show at 2:00 p.m.
