Viking’s Women’s Tennis lost to Mohawk Valley Community College in a tough match

By: Colton Eastman

Staff writer

Valiant efforts by the Hudson Valley Vikings’ Women’s tennis team to win against Mohawk Valley Community College proved futile as the game ended with a 5-2 defeat.

In an event that kicked off Homecoming Weekend at Hudson Valley Community College, the Vikings displayed model effort in the face of adversity. Ultimately, the combination of ill-timed injuries and tough opponents resulted in a loss, despite gutsy performances by the Vikings in a bid to save the game.

The game began with doubles, a victory for the Hudson Valley Community College freshman duo of Ally Hammond, respiratory care student, and Christina Cammarata, psychology major, and then a loss giving the Vikings even footing heading into the singles matches.

Miranda Morrison, an individual studies student and Hudson Valley Community College’s top ranked singles player, faced off against a tough Mohawk Valley opponent. Morrison, nursing a shoulder injury, battled hard but ultimately lost the match in a tie-breaker.

Morrison wasn’t the only Viking battling injury, as Cammarata left the court after her first set with a toe injury. After some evaluation, she returned to finish the match, but was defeated in straight sets.

“She did an amazing job and I even have to say the same about Thursday’s match,” said Coach Anne Clobridge. “The types of injuries that she sustained, they’re both on the same leg and it’s very difficult, she really powered through it.” she continued, noting that Cammarata also had complications in a previous match with a knee injury.

 Hammond captured the lone singles win for the Vikings, capping off an exceptional week that saw her 2-0 in singles performances in two matches.

Ngoc Nguyen, respiratory care student, and business and marketing major, Leslie Mead, a late addition to the team, both suffered losses in straight sets to seal the victory for Mohawk Valley.

After the match, Coach Anne Clobridge identified multiple factors that played into the tough loss. Aside from the injuries that plagued both Morrison and Cammarata, Clobridge also noted that fatigue from the team’s previous match and a lack of familiarity made things difficult.

“Traveling a distance to the Herkimer match kind of took a lot out of them [and then] coming back to the home match, it was tough for each of them,” said Clobridge. 

However, Clobridge was ultimately pleased with her team’s effort, explaining that the score wasn’t necessarily indicative of her players’ skills.

“With the fact that we just gathered together, the focus is just to get a little bit more familiarity with how they play together for the doubles matches,” said Clobridge. “After that, it’ll be just recovering and focusing on their strengths.” 

The Vikings will have to put the loss behind them as they prepare to travel to Onondaga Community College on Saturday, Sept. 28.