From Sept. 27-29, the Bison women’s tennis team competed in the Saint Joseph’s Invitational in Philadelphia.

The Orange and Blue started off well with a strong round of doubles in the top flight consolation bracket from Cayla Koch ’21 and Dax Seidlin ’23. The pair started off slow against opponents from Villanova, falling behind 6-1 in the first set, but they went on a rampage and tied it back up 7-7. They ended up losing that match, but stormed the entire consolation bracket from the top flight and won their next two matches 8-2 to win the title of the top flight consolation bracket.

Seidlin discussed how head coach Tammy Cecchini has helped her since arriving in Lewisburg.

“Coach Tammy is able to talk to me throughout my matches. She helps to build my confidence and strategize on the court in the heat of the moment,” Seidlin said. “My experience with the team this year so far has been amazing and I can’t wait for what’s to come and the success I feel we can have.”

The singles matches began the next day, with the Orange and Blue hungry for wins. The day started off with Paige Leavy ’20 advancing in flight two. Meanwhile, Daniela Bellini ’22 started the day competing against a tough opponent from Villanova, prevailing by a score of 6-4, 6-7 (4), 10-6. In the top flight quarterfinals, Bellini dominated her opponent from Saint Joseph’s by a score of 7-5, 7-5. Bellini ended up losing in the semifinals the next day.

Koch strode to the semifinals for the top flight consolation bracket. She won handily by a score of 6-1, 6-2. Koch had the team’s support while she faced a tough Villanova opponent. The first set went to Koch with a score of 6-4. She went on to handily defeat her opponent in the second set with a score of 6-1, earning her the Orange and Blue’s second consolidation title of the tournament.

The Bison compete next at the ITA Regionals on Oct. 25 in Blacksburg, Va.