Navy Women’s Tennis Continues Dominance, Prepares for Patriot League Clash with Bucknell

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Navy women’s tennis team extended its winning streak to nine matches with a decisive 7-0 sweep over Lehigh on Saturday, marking a strong start to their Patriot League campaign. The Midshipmen (14-4, 1-0 PL) will look to continue their momentum when they host Bucknell on Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

Midshipmen Dominate Lehigh in Patriot League Opener

Navy secured the opening point by sweeping all three doubles courts. The duo of sophomores Peyton Amspacher-Philemon and junior Anna Jordaan led the charge with a 6-2 victory in the No. 1 pairing. Sophomores Molly Bellia and freshman Anna Wiskowski clinched the doubles point with a 6-3 win, while juniors Julia Lee and sophomore Grace Li completed the sweep with a 6-4 victory.

The Midshipmen carried their momentum into singles play, winning five of the six matches in straight sets. Amspacher-Philemon quickly dispatched her opponent 6-1, 6-1 at the No. 5 spot. Bellia followed with a 6-3, 6-1 win, and Li clinched the overall victory for Navy with a 6-3, 6-1 win on the third court.

Jordaan earned a 6-2, 6-4 win at the No. 6 slot, while Nicole Fu captured a 7-6 (4), 6-1 victory in the second flight. Sophomore Emma Gu rallied from a set down to defeat her opponent 1-6, 6-3, 10-4 at the top court.

Coach Puryear Highlights Team Performance

Head Coach Keith Puryear praised the team’s energy and intensity, stating, “It’s good to acquire that first conference match under your belt. The energy and intensity are always higher for our Patriot League matches. We liked most of what we saw today, as the ladies did a good job of battling through adversity when it came around, making small adjustments when needed.” He specifically highlighted Gu’s performance at the No. 1 spot, noting her ability to rally after losing the first set against the league’s fall singles champion.

Key Stats and Streaks

• Navy now holds an 18-0 all-time record against Lehigh.
• Amspacher-Philemon has won her last 11 singles matches.
• Li has won seven-straight singles decisions, and Bellia has claimed her last four.
• Navy’s current nine-match winning streak is their longest since a similar streak from March 13-April 12, 2023.

Looking Ahead: Navy vs. Bucknell

The Navy women’s tennis team will continue Patriot League play on Sunday, hosting Bucknell at 11:00 a.m. At the Tose Family Tennis Center.