POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (February 28, 2010) - The Vassar women's tennis team looked sharp in its final match before its Spring break trip to California, defeating Muhlenberg 9-0 Sunday afternoon at Walker Fieldhouse.

The Brewers improve to 5-1 on the year and will kick off their Spring break trip against Occidental on March 8 at 11:00 a.m. The Mules will take an 0-1 record on the road against Moravian on March 18 at 4:00 p.m.

The Brewers set the tone early with a sweep of doubles to take a 3-0 lead. The no. 1 team of senior captain Nicole Pontee and sophomore Joy Backer used a variety of formations to control the net in their 8-1 win over Muhlenberg's Caitie Drucker and Sara Sutker.

“Our doubles teams have good communication and the playing styles are really meshing,” said head coach Kathy Campbell, “Nicole and Joy use the formations to give some different looks which really keeps the opponents off balance.”

In singles, Pontee displayed devastating groundstrokes from both wings in her 6-0, 6-2 win over Muhlenberg's Caitie Drucker to clinch the match for Vassar.

“Nicole has the ability to take a short backswing, keep it compact and generate a tremendous amount of pace robbing her opponent of time,” said Campbell.

Sophomore Nicole Block made her season debut at the no. 6 spot, showcasing punishing shots from the baseline in an impressive 6-0, 6-1 win over Muhlenberg's Deniz Utzel.

“Nicole executed her offensive game well and minimized her errors,” said Campbell.

The Brewers are confident after today's showing of strength and depth as they prepare for a week of steep competition in which they will face five regionally ranked opponents.

“We're preparing for some tough matches,” said Campbell “and like everyone, we're definitely looking forward to taking a break from the academic setting and going outside and playing in sun.”

Doubles:

1) Nicole Pontee/ Joy Backer (VC) def. Caitie Drucker/ Sara Sutker (M) 8-1
2) Jennifer Beckerman/ Nicole Block (VC) def. Danielle Winston/ Lindsay Schmidt (M) 8-5
3) Natalie Santiago/ Alyssa Roush (VC) def. Chelsey Waldron/ Deniz Utzel (M) 8-2
Order of finish (doubles): 1, 3, 2

Exhibition Doubles:
4) Elizabeth Anderson/Jennifer Ruther (VC) def. Jess Klein/Emily Robbins (M) 8-0


Singles:

1) Nicole Pontee (VC) def. Caitie Drucker (M) 6-0, 6-2
2) Jennifer Beckerman (VC) def. Sara Sutker (M) 6-3, 6-2
3) Joy Backer (VC) def. Danielle Winston (M) 6-1, 6-1
4) Natalie Santiago (VC) def. Lindsay Schmidt (M) 6-1, 6-1
5) Jennifer Ruther (VC) def. Chelsey Waldron (M) 6-0, 6-0
6) Nicole Block (VC) def. Deniz Utzel (M) 6-0, 6-1
Order of finish (singles): 5, 1, 3, 4,2 ,6

Exhibition Singles:
7) Elizabeth Anderson (VC) def. Jess Klein (M) 8-2
8) Melanie Horn (VC) def. Emily Robbins (M) 8-0