The Grinnell College team stayed perfect in 2011-12 with a thrilling 5-4 victory over Carthage College Wednesday in Orlando, Fla.
Grinnell showed its dominance in singles, winning four of six matches. Winners were Shirlene Luk ’15 at No. 2, Toby Cain ’12 at No. 4, Clothilde Thirouin ’14 at No. 5 and Emma Macdonald ’14 at No. 6. Cain won after losing her first set 6-2.
In doubles, Cain and Macdonald teamed up to win a 9-8 nail-biter at No. 2.
With the victory, Grinnell – ranked 13th in the Central Region of NCAA Division III – moved to 17-0. Carthage fell to 8-5.
“This is a great win for our women against a typically strong opponent in the region,” said Grinnell coach Andy Hamilton. “What makes it sweeter is we were down 2-1 after doubles and won four matches in singles play to secure the victory.
“The player of the day is senior captain Toby Cain, who came away with the decisive point in her three-set win at No. 4 singles,” he added. “I’m pleased she was able to play so well under pressure. I also have to commend Emma Macdonald. We’ve known all along what a strong and steady player she is, and today was another example of how good she is for our team and how well she is playing.”
The Pioneers have Thursday off before concluding their spring break trip against Pacific University on Friday. “The women are looking forward to resting on Thursday and getting ready to play their last match on our Florida trip on Friday,” said Hamilton.
