Wednesday play opened up with the women's semi-final matches: Emory/Amherst and Williams/Chicago. I chose to watch the Emory/Amherst doubles and was fairly impressed with the level of play.....especially on Emory's side of the net. Lead by a very physical and athletic freshman, Gabrielle Clark, the Eagles played offensive doubles.....depth on returns, attacking on short balls, crisp closing volleys with the expectation that every ball will come back! Not only did Emory frequently capitalize on short balls, they often would sneak in behind high quality deep rally shots as well. Amherst actually matched Emory's aggression early on the first 2 courts. The Lord Jeff's lead 5-3, and 4-3, respectively on the 2 courts. As if surprised to be ahead in the matches, emotions appeared to get in the way. Amherst, ever so slightly, backed off their groundstrokes and at times, attempted low % shots. Thus, Emory had short balls to pounce on, and started attaining some unforced errors on Amherst's behalf. Emory won 9-8(4) at #1 doubles and 8-4 at #2 doubles. Although too little, too late, Amherst's #2 pair did pick up the aggression again when down 7-4 in the match. They proceeded to play a 12+ deuce game, staying on the court for an extended period of time during an ever so important time of the match! From an emotional standpoint, the reverse was true for the Lord Jeff's at #3 doubles. I believe they trailed 5-2 in the match, playing far too defensive/passive from the outset, but picking up the aggression later in the match. Amherst battled back to win 9-7 and claim 1 of the doubles points.
With the expectation that Chicago would be fairly dominant in doubles (based on play from yesterday and a doubles sweep), I didn't see much of the Williams/Chicago doubles play. I was wrong (it happens!). Williams handily won at #1 against 2 time NCAA Doubles Champions Chrissy Hu and Kendra Higgins (2009 and 2010) 8-3. Williams also took court 3 doubles by an 8-2 score. Those that watched play stated that Chicago simply did not play with the same conviction/aggression that they are known for, and had shown yesterday. I was able to view the latter part of court #2 doubles (Chicago's most aggressive duo in my opinion) and noted the same. Chicago at one point lead 6-3 in the match, and had a 5-2 lead in the tiebreaker. Nonetheless, believe I witnessed BOTH Li and Guzman several feet behind the baseline for the first time in 2 days.....on multiple occasions. In the end, Williams also seized court 2 and took a 3-0 lead into singles.
The Ephs of Williams came out strong in singles and showed why and how they are the 3 time defending NCAA Team Champions (seeking the 4-peat tomorrow). Singles play (dictated by the Ephs on most courts, with the exception of court #1) included long rallies, intelligent crosscourt and directional play, a high level of fitness, rally groundstroke depth, and smart decision making when out of position. Williams captured victories at court 5 and 6 to win the match 5-0.
Turning back to Amherst/Emory, the lone doubles point that Amherst took at court 3 prevented this match from coming down to the wire. Amherst played a similar style as Williams (especially in the lower half of their line-up) and essentially out-grinded Emory. Gabrielle Clark was the only singles victor for Emory. Amherst 5, Emory 3.
At this point in the day, I was able to find an empty field and sneak a workout in before the Men's semi-final matches began: Emory/Wash U and Williams/Amherst.
The Amherst match was quite lopsided. The only highlight for the Ephs was a win at #3 doubles. Otherwise, Amherst once again outmatched their opponent physically, winning 5-1 in quick fashion.
Emory/Wash U doubles was an electric environment. Constant movement from all 4 players on the court, very physical, great hands (to counter to the countless below the net volleys), athleticism, power, etc. A battle ensued on court #2 and #3, but Emory prevailed in both matches. Immediately after Emory seized the 3-0 lead, a sigh of disappointment/surprise from both the Wash U players, and their fanbase, conveyed to me little hope on the singles front. This time, I was correct.....Emory quickly rolled the top 2 singles spots to win 5-0.
Tomorrow's final match-ups include Amherst/Emory on the men's side and Amherst/Williams on the women's side.
I am unable to upload pictures from my camera, but I have included a few from my phone below. I don't claim to be a photographer, but I found the first to be an astonishing view on my walk from the courts to my hotel. The second is at the CMS courts during the introduction of the Chicago/Denison match on Tuesday. The last photo is of Emmie attempting to join my morning workout one day last week. Enjoy!
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