SELINSGROVE, Pa. - Lebanon Valley rolled to its ninth straight win to start the season, beating Susquehanna 7-2 in non-conference play Sunday.
The Dutchmen (9-0, 3-0 CC) led 2-1 after a tought doubles session, then won fives singles flights, including two tiebreaks, to seal the victory. It was the fourth straight match that LVC had beaten an undefeated opponent, with the Crusaders coming in at 3-0.
With wins at both No. 1 singles and doubles,
Sarah Grodzinski reached 99 combined career wins, and will bid to become the first LVC tennis player, male or female, to reach 100 wins against Messiah on Wednesday. The senior is 64-8 all-time at singles and 35-25 at doubles.
In doubles, Grodzinski and
Shayna Heintzelman teamed for a quick 8-2 win over Julia Lerner and Whitney Arcaro at No. 1, but
Lauren Fulmer and
Tamera Lobb had to work extra tennis to beat Abby Hess and Kim Rogers, 9-8, at No. 2. At No. 3,
Morgan Brady and
Caitlin Bedford also went to an extra point but lost, 9-7, to Jessi Hass and Allison Killeen.
In singles, Grodzinski eased past Lerner, 6-0, 6-1, but Heintzelman needed a third to drop Hess, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2 at No. 2.
Lobb beat Ellen Pulsinelle, 6-0, 6-3, at No. 3, and Fulmer bumped up to No. 4 and won, 6-4, 6-3, against Rogers.
Morgan Brady came back from a set down to win a marathon match at No. 5, 0-6, 6-1, 11-9, and
Jess Ferlenda fell to Cassie Zerbie, 6-0, 6-3, at No. 6.
LVC will visit Messiah Wednesday with a chance to officially lock up a Commonwealth Conference playoff spot.
Singles competition
1. Sarah Grodzinski (LVCW) def. Julia Lerner (SUSWT) 6-0, 6-1
2. Shayna Heintzelman (LVCW) def. Abby Hess (SUSWT) 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-2
3. Tamera Lobb (LVCW) def. Ellen Pulsinelle (SUSWT) 6-0, 6-3
4. Lauren Fulmer (LVCW) def. Kim Rogers (SUSWT) 6-4, 6-3
5. Morgan Brady (LVCW) def. Dana Freshley (SUSWT) 0-6, 6-1, 11-9
6. Cassie Zerbe (SUSWT) def. Jess Ferlenda (LVCW) 6-0, 6-3
Doubles competition
1. Shayna Heintzelman/Sarah Grodzinski (LVCW) def. Julia Lerner/Whitney Arcaro (SUSWT) 8-2
2. Lauren Fulmer/Tamera Lobb (LVCW) def. Abby Hess/Kim Rogers (SUSWT) 9-8
3. Jessi Haas/Allison Killeen (SUSWT) def. Morgan Brady/Caitlin Bedford (LVCW) 9-7