WILLIAMSTOWN, MA (May 9, 2009) -- The Vassar College women's tennis team was unable to detour defending national champion and No. 2 Williams College in its quest for a second national title as the Ephs started off their run in the NCAA tournament with a 6-1 defeat of the No. 21 Brewers.

Vassar, which concludes its season 18-4, defeated Simmons College, 6-0, in the first round of the championship before running into the powerhouse Ephs (17-2).

Ephs Nikki Reich and Cary Gibson took the No. 1 doubles match, 8-5, over Nicole Pontee and Jamison Steele. Reich and Gibson are ranked No. 3 in the ITA Northeast rankings, while Pontee and Steele hold a No. 7 ranking. Williams picked up 8-4 wins at No. 2 and 3 doubles as well.

Williams struggled early on in singles play, which made its three doubles win pivotal. Gibson fell at No. 2 singles at the hands of Vassar freshman Jennifer Beckerman, 6-2, 6-1. It was the only point of the day for Vassar and a huge win for Beckerman, who recently received her first career ranking, No. 21 in the Northeast region, and defeated a No. 18-ranked Gibson.

Although Williams then went on to grab wins at No. 1, No. 4, and No. 6 singles, it was no easy day for the Ephs who advance to the regional final tomorrow, and Williams head coach Alison Swain commended the Brewers' play.

“It's great to get the tournament started and have a round under out belts,” said Swain. “Vassar played tough the whole way through, and I'm proud of how we battled back, especially after getting down early on in singles play.”

The Ephs will face off against conference foe Middlebury at noon tomorrow. The two teams have played each other twice already this season, with Williams taking both matches.

Williams 6, Vassar 1

Doubles

1) Gibson/Reich (W) def. Pontee/Steele (V) --- 8-5
2) Baljon/French (W) def. Backer/Romita (V) --- 8-4
3) Hancock/Alotta (W) def. Beckerman/Jacbson (V) --- 8-4

Singles

1) Grace Baljon (W) def. Nicole Pontee (V) --- 7-5, 6-3
2) Jennifer Beckerman (V) def. Cary Gibson (W) --- 6-2, 6-1
3) Nikki Reich (W) led Joy Backer (V) --- 1-6, 6-2, 4-3
4) Kristin Alotta (W) def. Alexis Jacobson (V) --- 6-3, 6-3
5) Elizabeth Anderson (V) led Lucy Marchese (W) --- 6-1, 5-6
6) Annie Hancock (W) def. Jamison Steele (V) --- 6-1, 6-2