Doyle rallies after difficult start in the season
Despite losing to McGowan earlier in regular season (6-1, 6-3), Doyle broke serve in the first game of the match and never fell behind. She forced McGowan to play most of her game from the baseline, and took away her ability to use her height advantage at the net. Unlike most opponents, Doyle was able to return McGowan's serves and engage her in long rallies. Her strategy led to a commanding singles victory 6-4, 6-2. "Having played her earlier in the season, Mia knew what she needed to do and executed," said assistant coach Lyndsy Ayers, "McGowan has a powerful serve and Mia handled it beautifully."
Her victory at number one singles earned her NEAC Player of the Year honors. Doyle will be vying for an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III championship. Selections take place mid-May.
Tessa Doyle places second
At the number two seed, Tessa Doyle entered the NEAC Championship seeded third, she faced conference opponent Alison Liberty from Keuka College. This was the first time they met in competition. Tessa Doyle defeated her 6-0, 6-2 in the semifinal match-up, advancing her to the championship. In the championship match-up she dropped the first set 6-2 to Bridget Delcoure from SUNY Cobelskill. In the second set Doyle was down 1-4 but battled back to a 5-5 tie, dropped the next game and played the last game to deuce twice before dropping the set 7-5. "Tessa was a little tense in the first set, but once she settled down and adjusted to the Delcoure's long lob game she showed her tenacity," said head coach Mike Ricker, "she has been known to rally from behind but today it was simply a game too late." Tessa's runner-up finish earned her NEAC Second Team All-Conference Honors.
The Doyle sisters, Tessa and Mia, entered the NEAC Championship undefeated in the conference at number one doubles and 9-1 overall. They faced the number four seed Wells College in the opening match of the day. They dropped the match 8-4. In the consolation match, they saw Penn State Berks but struggled to find their rhythm. They dropped the match 8-3; finishing in fourth place with their only two conference losses for the season.
"The magnitude of a NEAC Championship for the Wilson Tennis was not lost on the Doyles'," said athletic director, Lori Frey who witnessed the event first-hand, "They started the day feeling the pressure. But their comeback in singles competition is a testament to their mental toughness, skill and competitiveness."
The Doyle's overall performance at the NEAC Tennis Championship is the best finish to date for Wilson College. Wilson College will enter their forth year as a NEAC member in the fall.