GENEVA, N.Y.— The William Smith tennis team earned a crucial conference victory this afternoon, defeating RIT 5-2 in a midweek matchup at the HWS Tennis Center. With the win, the Herons improve to 8-9 overall with a 2-4 mark conference play, while the Tigers fall to 6-10 on the season and 2-5 in the Liberty League.

William Smith started the match with convincing performances in doubles play, sweeping all three courts to claim the doubles point. At No. 1, junior Haley Levine and sophomore Grace Magna cruised to a 6-1 win over Abby Murray and Emily Greb to move to 6-7 on the season in dual matches.

Senior Natalie Haythorn and junior Marin Montagne followed with a 6-3 victory over Maya McDaniel and Melanie Saborio at No. 2 and also move to 6-7 in dual matches this season. At No. 3, senior Julia Pida and sophomore Mae Kellersman added a 6-1 win over Anika Galkiewicz and Abby Finchum to complete the sweep.

In singles action, the Herons secured four wins to clinch the match. At No. 3, Magna defeated Murray 6-1, 6-2, extending her win streak to four straight. Kellersman followed at No. 4 with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Gabby Donohue for her team-leading seventh win of the season.

Montagne clinched the match at No. 5, topping Galkiewicz 6-3, 6-2, while first-year Bethany Walker added a dominant 6-0, 6-3 win over Finchum at No. 6.

UP NEXT:

William Smith will be back on court Saturday, April 26, hosting St. Lawrence University for another crucial conference matchup. First serve between the Herons and the Saints is scheduled for 10 a.m.