Thirkell lifts Tigers past Metro State

Colorado College recorded its most impressive win of the young season when it defeated Division II Metropolitan State College, 5-4, on Friday afternoon at the Garden of the Gods Tennis Club.

The Tigers improved to 4-0 overall with all four victories coming at the expense of Division II opponents. The Roadrunners are ranked No. 2 in the most recent ITA Central Region rankings.

The match wasn't decided until Deanna Thirkell came from behind to defeat Alicia Holm, 1-6, 6-3, 6-1, at No. 1 singles.

“The big story of the day was Deanna,” head coach Perry Wright said. “She was playing a very tough, hard hitting opponent, who was playing lights out in the first set. Deanna was able to weather the proverbial storm and keep her head in the match. It paid off as her perseverance, determination, and great defensive play allowed her to come back and cruise through the final two sets. Her match was the clincher for us, which was very exciting because she certainly had to dig deep to pull it out.”

CC never trailed, but each time it took a lead, Metro State recorded the next point to tie the match. After the Roadrunners won the first singles match, Katie Patterson kept her undefeated record intact with a 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) decision at No. 3 singles.

Jordan Evans put the Tigers up 4-3 by defeating Nicole Herrmann 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 at No. 2 singles, only to see Alexis Alvarez knot the score by holding off Sarah Backer 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 at No. 6 singles.

Colorado College jumped out to a 2-0 lead after Deanna Thirkell and Jordan Evans cruised to an 8-3 victory at No. 1 doubles and Erin Yamamoto and Katie Patterson prevailed by an 8-5 count at the No. 2 match.

The Tigers nearly swept the double matches, but MSC came from behind to take the third contest, 9-8 in a tie breaker, and trimmed its deficit to 2-1.

“All in all, I'm very happy with our team thus far,” Wright said. “We are looking pretty sharp for our upcoming trip to Florida.”

Colorado College is idle until March 20 when it begins its Division III schedule against Oglethorpe University in the first of five matches over Spring Break in Orlando, Fla.

Results

Doubles:
1. CC – Deanna Thirkell/Jordan Evans def. Alicia Holm/Nikki Amos 8-3
2. CC – Erin Yamamoto/Katie Patterson def. Nicole Herrmann/Marianne Evangelista 8-5
3. MSC – Nadia Khamis/Sam Schall def. Caila Criss/Maddy Bush 9-8 (7-1)

Singles:
1. CC – Deanna Thirkell def. Alicia Holm 1-6, 6-3, 6-1
2. CC – Jordan Evans def. Nicole Herrmann 6-2, 4-6, 6-2
3. CC – Katie Patterson def. Nikki Amos 6-2, 7-6 (7-3)
4. MSC – Marianne Evangelista def. Caila Criss 6-4, 6-4
5. MSC – Nadia Khamis def. Maddy Bush 6-1, 6-4
6. MSC – Alexis Alvarez def. Sarah Backer 6-2, 5-7, 6-2

Exhibitions

Doubles:
4. MSC – Alvarez/Nabiyar def. Tori Marsh/ Sarah Backer 8-2

Singles:
7. CC – Erin Yamamoto def. Zelly Nabiyar 6-4, 7-6 (7-1)

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