NEWS

The 'Cats dropped their first conference match this weekend. (News of Davidson photo)

Sunday – In a match that came down to the final singles courts, the Davidson women's tennis team fell, 4-3, to Richmond on Sunday afternoon inside the Knobloch Tennis Center.

The Spiders secured the doubles point and split the singles matches to narrowly escape with the victory, despite a strong push from the middle of the Wildcats' lineup.

"I don't really have enough words for today," Davidson head coach Susanne Depka said. "I give Richmond credit, they made adjustments and continued to fight. It was a matter of points on some courts. We definitely improved with our processes and mentality. This was an amazing match, and I am extremely proud of everyone. If we continue on this same path, we will be in good position for future matches as well as the conference tournament. I can't say enough how proud I am of this team and how courageous they were today."

In doubles, Davidson (8-6, 3-1 A-10) struck first as Ellie Hammond and Charlotte Calderwood dominated on Court 2 with a 6-2 win over Richmond's Lainey O'Neil and Elizabeth Novak. However, the Spiders responded on Court 1, where Sofia Barbulescu and Lucy Webber defeated Savanna Kollock and Bryson Langford, 6-4.

The opening point was decided in a tiebreaker on Court 3. Richmond's Abby Lee and Beatriz Guerra ultimately outlasted Keri Rothenberg and Olivia Hooper, 7-6 (4), to give the Spiders a 1-0 lead heading into singles.

The Wildcats came out aggressive in singles play and would take their first lead of the afternoon. Langford recorded a 6-1, 6-2 win at the No. 2 spot, followed quickly by Hammond, who secured a 6-3, 6-4 victory on Court 3 to put Davidson ahead 2-1.

Richmond (7-9, 2-1) regained momentum as Lee fought back from a set down to defeat Calderwood 5-7, 6-4, 6-3. At the No. 1 singles position, Barbulescu held off Kollock in a third-set tiebreaker, 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (5) to put the Spiders one point away from clinching the dual.

Rothenberg kept the Wildcats' hopes alive with a steady 6-3, 6-1 win on Court 5, evening the overall score at 3-3. The deciding point fell to Court 6, where Richmond's Guerra defeated Hooper 6-4, 6-1 to clinch the match for the Spiders.

Richmond 4, Davidson 3
Sunday, April 5, 2026 | Knobloch Tennis Center

Doubles Competition
1 – Sofia Barbulescu / Lucy Webber (UR) def. Savanna Kollock / Bryson Langford (DC), 6-4
2 – Ellie Hammond / Charlotte Calderwood (DC) def. Lainey O'Neil / Elizabeth Novak (UR), 6-2
3 – Abby Lee / Beatriz Guerra (UR) def. Keri Rothenberg / Olivia Hooper (DC), 7-6 (4)
Order of Finish: 2, 1, 3

Singles Competition
1 – Sofia Barbulescu (UR) def. Savanna Kollock (DC), 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (5)
2 – Bryson Langford (DC) def. Elizabeth Novak (UR), 6-1, 6-2
3 – Ellie Hammond (DC) def. Lucy Webber (UR), 6-3, 6-4
4 – Abby Lee (UR) def. Charlotte Calderwood (DC), 5-7, 6-4, 6-3
5 – Keri Rothenberg (DC) def. Lainey O'Neil (UR), 6-3, 6-1
6- Beatriz Guerra (UR) def. Olivia Hooper (DC), 6-4, 6-1
Order of Finish: 2, 3, 4, 1, 5, 6

Friday – Charlotte Calderwood's straight-set victory on court four proved to be the difference as Davidson held off Rhode Island, 4-3, in Atlantic 10 Conference women's tennis action Friday afternoon.

Winners of three straight, the Wildcats improve to 8-5 overall and 3-0 in league duals.

"Rhode Island is a tough team," said Davidson head coach Susanne Depka. "They never give up and have great defense. We pulled this one out with a lot of fight. We still need to become a little better mentally and continue to focus on our processes even when the score comes to mind. If we get better at this each match, we will be ready for the conference tournament."

The Wildcats grabbed the early 1-0 advantage by claiming two of the three doubles matches. The duo of Ellie Hammond and Calderwood picked up a convincing 6-1 decision at the No. 2 spot, while Olivia Hooper and Keri Rothenberg won 6-2 at No. 3.

In singles action, Davidson got straight set wins from Savanna Kollock (6-2, 6-0), Hammond (6-2, 6-4) and Calderwood (6-2, 7-5) to stay perfect in the A-10.

The Rams' points came from Nikki Fernando, Anastasia Pettersson and Miruna Scarlat.