EMORY, Va. (May 15, 2009) -- The E&H women's tennis team played without its No. 1 seed Wednesday, but the women managed a narrow victory over Virginia-Wise.
Sophomore Savannah Tickle, who has played well against more-experienced athletes at No. 1, was recovering from a minor foot injury, keeping her out of Wednesday's match and forcing adjustments to the Wasps' line-up against the Cavaliers of Virginia-Wise.
Nevertheless, the team managed a 5-4, which included one doubles win by the sister duo of Jill and Jessi Williams and four wins at singles, including both Williams sisters at No. 2 and No. 3, Kandyce Baker at No. 4 and Lauren Dalton at No. 6.
The possible absence of Tickle hangs over the team as it faces a full weekend of crucial conference play. With Tickle, the Wasps are favorites over Hollins University and Virginia Wesleyan and Lynchburg colleges. Without her, the team's road to finishing in the top four of the conference tournament becomes uncertain.
The Wasps are on the road against Hollins Friday and Virginia Wesleyan Saturday before returning home Sunday to face Lynchburg.