RIPON, Wis. -- The Ripon College women's tennis team concluded their fall schedule, and conference play, this Sunday, October 11, against Lawrence University (4-8, 1-4 MWC). Freshman
Juliet Barstow (Kennebunk, Me., Kennebunk HS) scored the sole point for Ripon with a four singles victory.
Ripon opened Sunday's match with a different lineup than weeks prior, with two players out of the doubles lineup due to injury. Lawrence was able to secure the sweep of the opening matches, going into singles with the 1-0 advantage.
Singles had Ripon show strength in the middle of the lineup. Junior
Emily Bittinger (Shell Rock, Iowa, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) played a tight match at three singles, falling in the first set 3-6 before going deep in the second with the Viking opponent. However, extra games would not go Bittinger's way, and Ripon would concede the three singles point 5-7 in the second. At four singles, Barstow scored a straight set win over her opponent, leaning on flat, powerful forehands deep into both sets. The freshman came away with crucial breaks late, and earned Ripon a 6-4, 7-5 win. However, Barstow's match would come as the sole point for the Red Hawks, who ended their fall schedule with a 1-6 loss to the familiar rival.
Ripon women's tennis returns to action for an 11-match spring schedule in February, opening up play with a trip to Minnesota to take on St. Mary's and Northwestern.
