September 5, 2006

Russell Sage takes season opener from Castleton 6-3

Rutland, VT-After rain forced the matches to Rutland and the indoor facilities at Grand Slam Tennis, Russell Sage took four out of six singles matches and two out of three doubles to win the season opening match for both teams.

The Gators defeated Castleton in #1, 2, 5 and 6 singles and #1 and 3 doubles. All matches were highly competitive and included three sets that went to tie-break. Abby Woodward (Stuyvesant, NY) took the #1 singles competition over Castleton freshman Charla Klaas (Shickshinny, PA/Wyoming Seminary) 6-2, 6-0. Jamie Olson (Rutland, VT/Rutland) dropped #2 singles 3-6, 5-7 to sophomore Nellie Rustick (Claverack, NY). The Spartans received singles victories from Lauren Keunzel (Saratoga Springs, NY/Saratoga) and Emily Hallett (Medway, MA/Medway) to keep them close, but the Gators pulled away, winning four out of the final five matches.

The win drops Castleton to 0-1, while Sage goes to 1-0. The Spartans are back in action Saturday, September 9 when they travel to cross town rival Green Mountain College for a match beginning at 1:00 PM. Russell Sage plays host to Utica College on Sunday, September 10 at 2:00 PM. [Complete Results]

***Spartans***