The Ithaca College men’s team took down Connecticut College 5–4 while the women’s team lost 5–4 May 1. Before the event, both teams honored their seniors, Chris Hayes for the men’s team and Marni Blumenthal for the women’s team.
Hayes earned a pair of wins during his Senior Day match, also making a comeback at first doubles. Hayes earned a 6–0, 6–1 win at the first singles flight and paired up with junior Wes Davis for a win at the first doubles flight as they won their eighth straight match.
Davis and Hayes earned a 6–1 win and faced a triple break point in their doubles but came back, earning a 9–8 win.
With the two wins, Hayes now has 106 career wins, 60 in singles play and 46 in doubles play. Hayes ranks eighth in school history for career wins, and is fourth in career singles wins.
Before the match, Hayes, who is the only senior on the team, was honored for his hard work and dedication. He said this was a great way to end his last home match.
“Today was really special to go 2–0 individually and get a team win in the process,” Hayes said. “I’m just happy I got to share this moment with great teammates and my family.”
In the other doubles matches, junior Nate Wolf teamed up with freshman Michael Gardiner earning an 8–2 win at the third flight, while sophomore Lorenzo Viguie-Ramos and freshman Stefan Lazarevic dropped an 8–4 decision.
Davis posted a 6–0, 6–0 win at third singles. Wolf lost the first set 6–2, but won the next two 7–6 (7–2) and 6–4 to clinch the match for the Bombers.
Gardiner won the first set of his first singles match by a 6–2 score, but dropped the next two sets 7–6 (8–6) and 10–5. Junior Brandon Buksbaum fell 6–2, 6–1 in the fifth flight, and Viguie-Ramos lost a 6–3, 6–1 decision in the sixth flight.
For the women’s tennis team, the Bombers ended the regular season with a 5–4 loss.
Blumenthal teamed with freshman Taylor Ginestro and picked up a 8–4 win. Blumenthal is the only senior on the team and said she is sad to leave such a great team.
“It’s weird. I don’t think it’s hit me yet,” Blumenthal said. “It’s bittersweet because I’m excited for the future. I’ll definitely miss the girls, the relationships, tennis, the whole experience.”
Junior Haley Kusak partnered with freshman Caroline Dunn for 8–4 win at first doubles, while freshmen Shayna Ginster and Kathryn Shaffer dropped an 8–6 decision at second doubles.
In singles play, Kusak and junior Jodi Grosberg each won their matches. Kusak posted a 6–4, 6–1 win at the first flight. Grosberg came out victorious with 6–1, 4–4 win at sixth singles.
Kusak said she was happy with how doubles matches went.
“Doubles were really good today,” Kusak said. “We played really well, and Caroline did awesome at the net. She was hitting every overhead and every volley, so I think we are definitely starting to improve our doubles together.”
In other singles matches, Blumenthal dropped a 6–1, 6–0 decision at the second flight, Dunn lost 6–0, 6–1 during the third flight, Ginster fell 7–6 (7–5) 6–3 at the fourth flight and Shaffer lost 6–1, 6–2 at the fifth flight.
The men will compete May 7–8 in the Empire 8 Championship in Hoboken, New Jersey while the women will compete May 23 at the NCAA Championships.
