Lucye Rafferty/The Hoya Georgetown women’s team co-captain senior Lara Madonia hits a high backhand volley.
In their last weekend of preseason play, the Georgetown tennis teams faced three tough opponents and once again came away without a win. The men went on the road to take on the Atlantic Coast Conference’s best, the University of Virginia and Maryland, and lost on both Saturday and Sunday, 6-1 and 7-0, respectively. The women, playing host to James Madison, were also defeated 5-2.
On Saturday the men headed south to face No. 28 Virginia. Junior Erik Bildman was the only winner that day for the Hoyas, defeating junior Dillon Walker in singles, 6-3, 7-5.
Bildman also turned in a strong performance in doubles with partner senior Dennis Cravedi, falling 8-5 to Virginia’s No. 1 doubles team. Freshman Kevin Killeavy also had a good showing and had a chance to beat Virginia’s No. 3 singles player, sophomore Rylan Rizza. Killeavy could not capitalize on his chances, ultimately falling 7-6, 7-5, in a close match.
“We played a really good match,” Head Coach Rich Bausch said of the contest against Virginia. “Unfortunately, it didn’t show in the score.”
On Sunday the Hoyas went north to Maryland to face the Terrapins. Again the Hoyas were defeated, this time in a shutout, 7-0. Bildman and Killeavy both continued to play well in singles, each losing in long matches. Bildman lost to freshman Chase Dawson 5-7, 7-5, 10-8, and Killeavy dropped his match to freshman Scott Fink 7-5, 7-5.
“We played better than the last weekend,” said Bausch.
While the men were away, the women’s tennis team remained at home to face James Madison University. The women started off the day with three doubles losses, but rebounded with a strong win from senior Jordan Botjer in the No. 1 singles match. In a tight match, Botjer defeated senior Margie Zesinger 6-3, 6-7 (2), 10-8.
“It’s a great day anytime you win the No. 1 singles match,” Bausch said.
Other strong performances were put up by freshman Eileen Boyle and Kristin Dew, who each went to third set tie breaks in their matches. Dew was able to pick up the victory, but Boyle lost in the end.
“We served so much better this weekend,” said Bausch. “We served at a higher percentage and were more consistent.”
The men have the upcoming weekend off. They will use the break to prepare for their first Big East contest on Sunday, Feb. 22 at Rutgers. The women begin their Big East play this weekend, playing host to St. John’s on Saturday at 6 p.m. The women will also play on Sunday, traveling to Maryland for a non-conference afternoon match.
“We need to focus on doubles at St. John’s to win and on serving and returns at Maryland,” Bausch said of the women’s upcoming competitions. “It’s going to be a tough weekend.”