CLAREMONT, CA (March 12, 2010) – In a match-up of two nationally ranked teams, the No. 21 Vassar College women's tennis team was narrowly edged, falling 5-4 to No. 7 Pomona-Pitzer College on Friday, Vassar's first loss in nine matches.

The Brewers fall to 8-2 with their only other loss coming in the season opener to defending national champion and the current No. 3 team in the nation, Williams College. Vassar will conclude its five-match tour of California with a neutral match against Colorado College on Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

Despite falling into an early 3-0 hole after Pomona swept the doubles, the Brewers kept their poise, winning four of six singles matches, but it was not enough for the comeback.

"We played courageous, determined tennis today", said Vassar head coach Kathy Campbell. “I'm so proud of how our team continued to fight, whether winning or losing. Even with the 0-3 deficit after doubles, we played with confidence and determination knowing we could still win the match and we fought our way to a close 5-4 finish. It's nice to see the great team chemistry help us in competition as well."

In doubles, the No. 2 and 3 teams dropped 8-2 decisions, while the No. 1 team of senior Nicole Pontee and sophomore Joy Backer lost a tight 8-6 match to Jamie Solomon and Kara Wang.

“There were a few pivotal points in the doubles, especially at the No. 1 and No. 3 positions, that did not go our way but all our players kept fighting,” said Campbell.

The Brewers showed poise, confidence and tenacity in the singles, winning four of the six matches (two in three sets, two in two sets). Of the two singles matches lost, one was in two sets and one in three sets.

At No. 3 singles, Backer played smart tennis, serving well and moving the ball with accuracy to win 6-4, 6-3 in scoring Vassar's first point of the day. Freshman Jennifer Ruther defeated Pomona senior Zoe Fisher at No. 5 singles, playing with consistency and varying the pace for a 6-2, 6-4 victory. Her passing shots and lobs were key factors in closing out the second set to keep Vassar in the match 2-3.

Pomona took the next match, at No. 2 singles to go up 4-2. Meanwhile, Pontee, at No. 1 singles, and No. 6 sophomore Nicole Block started third sets after losing their first sets 0-6 and
capturing their second sets 7-5 and 6-4 respectively. Midway through their third sets, Pomona earned its decisive fifth point with a victory at No. 4 singles in three sets. Although the match was decided, Pontee and Block earned impressive wins, dominating in their third sets with 6-2 and 6-1 margins respectively.

Pomona 5, Vassar 4

Doubles:
1. Jamie Solomon/Kara Wang (PP) def. Nicole Pontee/Joy Backer (VC), 8-6
2. Kawahara/Nicole Holsted (PP) def. Jennifer Beckerman/Nicole Block (VC), 8-2
3. Jessica Hsu/Zoe Fisher (PP) def. Natalie Santiago/Alyssa Roush, 8-2
Exhibition
4. Ellie Shanholt/Kitazawa (PP) def. Elizabeth Anderson/Jennifer Ruther (VC), 8-4

Singles:
1. Nicole Pontee (VC) def. Jamie Solomon (PP), 0-6, 7-5, 6-2
2. Kara Wang (PP) def. Jennifer Beckerman (VC), 6-3, 6-2
3. Joy Backer (VC) def. Nicole Holsted (PP), 6-4, 6-3
4. Jessica Hsu (PP) def. Natalie Santiago (VC), 4-6, 6-1, 6-1
5. Jennifer Ruther (VC) def. Zoe Fisher (PP), 6-2, 6-4
6. Nicole Block (VC) def. Ellie Shanholt (PP), 0-6, 6-4, 6-1
Exhibition
7. Chloe Schaefer (PP) def. Elizabeth Anderson (VC), 6-4, 6-0
8. Courtney Hamilton (PP) def. Melanie Horn (VC), 6-2, 6-2

Order of finish:
Doubles 3, 2, 1
Singles: 3, 5, 2, 4, 1, 6