Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey women's tennis team once again took advantage of playing on their home court as the Lions extended its growing home winning streak with a 7-2 triumph over Bates College on Wednesday.
TCNJ has dominated the opposition at home this season winning all seven of its dual meets and haven't lost at home since the spring of 2008, a streak of 19 straight wins. The team's last setback at home was a 5-4 decision against the University of Mary Washington on April 12, 2008.
The 23rd-ranked Lions are 14-4 overall on the season.
Against the Bobcats, TCNJ started strong winning the top two doubles spots as senior Jackie Shtemberg (Franklin Lakes, NJ/Ramapo) and sophomore Felice Trinh (Linden, NJ/Linden) won 8-3 in the top spot, while the freshmen duo of Allison Tierney (Berkeley Heights, NJ/Governor Livingston) and Karisse Bendijo (Egg Harbor Twp., NJ/Egg Harbor Twp.) cruised 8-2 at second doubles.
Shtemberg added a 6-0, 6-1 win at first singles with the Lions claiming the third through sixth spots to round out the win. Freshman Lauren Balsamo (Wall Twp., NJ/Wall) won 6-3, 6-1 at third singles and senior Stefanie Haar (Morganville, NJ/Marlton) followed with a 6-2, 6-4 victory in the fourth slot.
Freshman Paige Aiello (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) dominated at fifth singles winning 6-0, 6-0 and sophomore Emily Petersack (Mercerville, NJ/Notre Dame) capped off the win in exciting fashion winning the final seven points in the second set to secure a 6-0, 7-5 victory.
The Lions close out the home schedule on Saturday, April 24 hosting Wellesley College in an 11 a.m. start.
#23 The College of New Jersey 7, Bates College 2
Singles competition
1. Jackie Shtemberg (TCNJWOM) def. Meg Anderson (BATES) 6-0, 6-1
2. Katie Helfgott (BATES) def. Karisse Bendijo (TCNJWOM) 2-6, 7-5, 10-6
3. Lauren Balsamo (TCNJWOM) def. Ashley Brunk (BATES) 6-3, 6-1
4. Stefanie Haar (TCNJWOM) def. Erika Blauth (BATES) 6-2, 6-4
5. Paige Aiello (TCNJWOM) def. Jean Gulliver (BATES) 6-0, 6-0
6. Emily Petersack (TCNJWOM) def. Jenna Burke (BATES) 6-0, 7-5
Doubles competition
1. Jackie Shtemberg/Felice Trinh (TCNJWOM) def. Meg Anderson/Alexandra Piacquad (BATES) 8-3
2. Allison Tierney/Karisse Bendijo (TCNJWOM) def. Ashley Brunk/Nicole Russell (BATES) 8-2
3. Erika Blauth/Katie Helfgott (BATES) def. Lauren Balsamo/Emily Petersack (TCNJWOM) 8-6
