Washington and Lee first-year Lauren Long (Carmel, Ind. / Park Tudor) opened her 2023 NCAA Singles Tournament run with a straight-set win over Katherine Wurster of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps on Friday morning, before bowing out in the second round in the afternoon.
The 22nd-ranked Washington and Lee women's tennis team was eliminated from the 2023 NCAA Tournament on Saturday by a 5-1 score to seventh-ranked Emory.
The 22nd-ranked Washington and Lee women's tennis team prevailed by a 5-2 score over N.C. Wesleyan in the NCAA First Round on Saturday to begin its 2023 tournament run.
Sweet Briar College collected a league-high eight all-conference team awards plus one special individual honor, while league champion Washington and Lee University earned the remaining three special awards and five all-league nods to headline the 2022-23 All-ODAC Women's Tennis Awards.
An end becomes a beginning for some with the close of the ODAC regular season upon us over the next few weeks. Week 34 marks the final report for women's and men's tennis as those conference championship events begin on Tuesday and Wednesday. Those earning ODAC Athlete of the Week awards for Monday, April 24, include (pictured top-bottom, left-right): Emma Stiffler from Shenandoah women's lacrosse, Warren Seeds from Washington and Lee men's lacrosse, Addison Schmidt from Roanoke women's lacrosse, Hudson Pokorny from W&L men's lacrosse, Sarah Prosser from Virginia Wesleyan softball, Benton Jones from Lynchburg baseball, Lauren Long and Evan Erb from W&L tennis, Lauren Bible from VWU softball, and Jack Bachmore from LYN baseball.
Long, a first-year from Carmel, Ind., helped nationally 22nd-ranked Washington and Lee close the 2022-23 regular season with two wins in four matches following finals week at the Lexington-based campus. She did not compete in the Generals 6-0 victory over Hollins. Long played at No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles in all five matches, pairing with Gabi Moss in each doubles matchup. Long is currently ranked second in the Atlantic South Region by the ITA, while Long and Moss are the sixth-rated doubles tandem in the region. In a 7-2 victory over Sweet Briar, Long and Moss earned an 8-7 (7-4) win over Ruth de Souza and Allison Wandling, the eighth-ranked pair in the region. Long added a 4-6, 7-5, 1-0 (10-3) win over de Souza in singles play. In a 5-4 team loss to nationally 33rd-ranked Mary Washington, Long and Moss were defeated, 8-5, by Amanda Hagino and Hana Kimmey, the third-ranked doubles team in the Atlantic South. Long picked up a point in singles action, defeating region #10 Abby Moghtader, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4. W&L returned the win column with an 8-1 triumph over Washington College. Long and Moss earned an 8-2 win over Bin Nguyen and Eva Kading. Long posted a 6-1, 6-3, victory over Soleil Namunyola in their singles matchup. The Generals capped their long week with a 6-3 setback to nationally 15th-ranked Johns Hopkins University. Long and Moss scored an 8-2 win over Julia Xiao and Kamila Wong, the fifth ranked duo in the regional. Long collected a 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 victory over MaryBeth Hurley, the seventh-ranked singles player in the Atlantic South. For the season, Long is now 15-3 in all singles competition with a 13-2 record from the top flight. She is 17-9 in all doubles matches including 7-1 with Moss.
Washington and Lee University women's tennis has claimed 19 straight ODAC championships dating back to the 2003 season. The Generals enter the 2023 postseason poised to add yet another trophy to their mantle as the top seed enter next week's ODAC Women's Tennis Tournament.
The Generals (10-0) posted their 16th straight unbeaten league campaign since the ODAC moved to team results to determine the conference champion in 2007. Sweet Briar College (9-1) wrapped up the second seed with its victory over Averett University (8-2) on Sunday afternoon. The Cougars, new to the ODAC ranks this season, will play as the third seed. AU tied with Randolph-Macon College (8-2) in the league table, but its win over the Yellow Jackets during the regular season awarded the higher position to the Cougars.
ODAC standings are starting to take shape with just a couple of weeks left in the 2022-23 regular seasons. The lines making those shapes are sharper for some than others as results from Week 33 in some conference sports muddied the league tables with no way to predict who might sit where for seeding until all the games are completed. Those earning ODAC Athlete of the Week awards for Monday, April 17, include (pictured top-bottom, left-right): Lilly Burns from Roanoke softball, Owen Tappy from Hampden-Sydney baseball, Jada Karnes from RC softball, Levi Vigdorchik from Lynchburg men's tennis, Natalie Mason from RC women's lacrosse, Owen Gucwa from Randolph-Macon men's lacrosse, Paul Ryhsen from Averett women's tennis, Tyler Blittersdorf from Shenandoah baseball, Elizabeth Peasley from AU women's lacrosse, and Ethan Robinette from R-MC men's lacrosse.
Week 32 of the Division III season means we are just a few weeks away from the start of spring championships and the stretch run of the 2022-23 campaign. ODAC teams and athletes are certain ready for such challenges based on the high caliber of play coming from all corners of the league. Those earning ODAC Athlete of the Week awards for Monday, April 10, include (pictured top-bottom, left-right): Zack Potts from Lynchburg baseball, Naomi Sadler from Randolph-Macon softball, Brody Langlotz from Roanoke baseball, Gracie Ellis from R-MC softball, Thomas Harry from Hampden-Sydney lacrosse, Rachael Robinson from Bridgewater women's lacrosse, Artem Babaiev and Jahveesha Combs from Shenandoah tennis, Jake Rust from LYN men's lacrosse, and Hanna Bishop from Washington and Lee women's lacrosse.
April signifies the stretch run for any Division III season, and that is no different this year with Week 31 reporting marking the first days of the month. Those earning ODAC Athlete of the Week awards for Monday, April 3, include (pictured top-bottom, left-right): Evan Erb from Washington and Lee men's tennis, Allie Schwab from W&L women's lacrosse, Luke Kammerman from Roanoke men's lacrosse, Lauren Long from W&L women's tennis, Wesley Arrington and Emily Charlton from Lynchburg baseball and softball, Will Perry from Hampden-Sydney men's lacrosse, Sam Van Belle from W&L women's lacrosse, Carrson Atkins from LYN baseball, and Julia Piotrowski from Virginia Wesleyan softball.
Temperatures are rising outside and so are ODAC athletes' performances as evidenced by the strong crew of award winners and honor roll members for Week 30 of the 2022-23 academic year. Those earning ODAC Athlete of the Week awards for Monday, March 27, include (pictured top-bottom, left-right): Jacob Bell from Shenandoah baseball, Felix Bevc from Virginia Wesleyan men's tennis, Lauren Long from Washington and Lee women's tennis, Kyleigh Chickering from Roanoke women's lacrosse, Oliva Owens from Randolph-Macon softball, Avery Neaves from Lynchburg baseball, Gracie Ellis from R-MC softball, Tyler Hadley from LYN men's lacrosse, Raven Felder from Averett women's lacrosse, and Riley Mitchell from LYN men's lacrosse.
Spring sports are at full-go with outdoor track & field joining the action for Week 29 (announced on Tuesday). Movement in ODAC standings became more frequent and will continue to take shape as we draw deeper into March. Those earning ODAC Athlete of the Week awards for Monday, March 20, include (pictured top-bottom, left-right): Sarah Watts from Lynchburg softball, Gaines Weis from Hampden-Sydney men's lacrosse, Caroline Kranich from Washington and Lee women's lacrosse, Jahveesha Combs from Shenandoah women's tennis, Kooper Anderson and Jacob Bell from SU baseball, Walker McKnight from W&L women's lacrosse, Wyatt Whitlow from Roanoke men's lacrosse, Emily Seale from Virginia Wesleyan softball, and Jovan Cirkovic from SU men's tennis.
A wintry blast limited action for spring sports in Week 28, but that didn't keep ODAC stars from continuing their high level play in all arenas. Those earning ODAC Athlete of the Week awards for Monday, March 13, include (pictured top-bottom, left-right): Jada Karnes and Caleb Lingenfelter from Roanoke softball and baseball, Lauren Roberts and Gabriel Alexand from Bridgewater women's and men's lacrosse, Matt Sinko from Virginia Wesleyan baseball, Rilee Baughan from Randolph-Macon softball, Evan Erb from Washington and Lee men's tennis, Isabela Guilarte from Sweet Briar women's tennis, Tyler Hadley from Lynchburg men's lacrosse, and Eugenie Rovegno from W&L women's lacrosse.
If early season play is any indication, ODAC fans are going to have a lot to cheer about during the spring season. Week 27 featured big time wins in tennis and high-output performances in baseball, lacrosse, and softball.
Those earning ODAC Athlete of the Week awards for Monday, March 6, include (pictured top-bottom, left-right): Ruth de Souza from Sweet Briar tennis, Evan Erb from Washington and Lee men's tennis, Julia Thomson from W&L women's lacrosse, Mark Sprague from Virginia Wesleyan men's lacrosse, Kayla Davis from Randolph-Macon softball, Colby Martin from Shenandoah baseball, Ashley MacFarlane from SU women's lacrosse, Tyler Carney from Bridgewater men's lacrosse, Rilee Baughan from R-MC softball, and Will Turner from Roanoke baseball.
Weather did not cooperate in some areas for our spring sports as Week 26 marks the first fully outdoor report of the spring season. Those earning ODAC Athlete of the Week awards for Monday, February 27, include (pictured top-bottom, left-right): Eugenie Rovegno from Washington and Lee women's lacrosse, Jack Smith from Randolph-Macon men's lacrosse, Sarah Watts from Lynchburg softball, Isaiah Hairston from Guilford basketball, Shannon Timoney from W&L women's lacrosse, Andres Mercedes from GC men's tennis, Emma Adams from Virginia Wesleyan softball, Tyler Hadley from LYN men's lacrosse, Gabi Moss from W&L women's tennis, and Hayden Snelsire from R-MC baseball.
Week 25 marks the largest report of the season with a full slate of spring sports joining basketball in the final week of "crossover season." Softball, women's lacrosse, and tennis honors its first athletes of the year with baseball and men's lacrosse continuing and basketball wrapping up its regular season with this week's ODAC Tournament beginning Monday evening.
Those earning ODAC Athlete of the Week awards for Monday, February 20, include (pictured top-bottom, left-right): Tyler Hadley from Lynchburg men's lacrosse, Caroline Kranich from Washington and Lee women's lacrosse, Robert DiSibio and Mary Schleusner from W&L men's and women's basketball, Evan Blair from W&L baseball, Taylor Sullivan from Averett softball, Allie Schab and Hudson Pokorny from W&L women's and men's lacrosse, Elizabeth Teefey from LYN women's tennis, Federico Maccari from Roanoke men's tennis, Gracie Dooley from LYN softball, and Ethan Currin from Hampden-Sydney baseball.
Spring poll rollouts continue today with the announcement of the 2023 ODAC Women's Tennis Coaches Poll. Washington and Lee University, winners of 19 straight women's tennis league trophies, is the favorite to add another piece of hardware to its mantle after collecting 144 total points thanks to 12 first place votes in the annual survey.
Sweet Briar College, runner-up to W&L each of the past two seasons, garnered the remaining top nod to finish second in the table with 132 markers. Conference newcomer Averett University is expected to challenge immediately with the Cougars sitting third with 116 tallies. Virginia Wesleyan University also cracked the century mark with 104 points to slot fourth.
Daniel Ragsdale has been named the new head tennis coach at Hollins University. The announcement came from new Director of Athletics Chris Kilcoyne after a search to fill the position.
The 21st-ranked Washington and Lee women's tennis team saw its season come to an end on Saturday in a 5-1 loss to No. 15 Mary Washington in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The No. 21 Washington and Lee women's tennis team opened play in the NCAA Division III Championship on Friday with a 5-0 win over St. Mary's (Md.) in the first round.
The University of Lynchburg and Sweet Briar College each collected one special individual honor and six all-conference team selections to headline the 2022 All-ODAC Women's Tennis Awards. Washington and Lee University and Shenandoah University matched with four all-conference team picks each, while the Generals secured the remaining two special awards.
W&L sophomore Gabi Moss earned ODAC Player of the Year distinction, while Generals mentor Erin Ness garnered ODAC Coach of the Year laurels. The league's coaches also honored Sweet Briar first-year Ana Patino as the ODAC Rookie of the Year, while the conference's athletic communications personnel tabbed Lynchburg junior Elizabeth Teefey as the ODAC/Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
The NCAA announced the Division III Women's Tennis Tournament field for its annual team championship in a release on ncaa.com on Monday afternoon. Washington and Lee University, winners of 19 straight and 31 overall conference titles, will be the lone squad to represent the ODAC in the 49-team field.
Top-seeded Washington and Lee University increased its streak of ODAC women's tennis titles to 19 straight with a 5-0 victory over second-seeded Sweet Briar College on Sunday afternoon. The championship marks the program's 31st overall.
The final weekly report of the season is here with Week 35 in the books. All sports have either completed or are in the midst of their conference tournaments. Those earning ODAC Athlete of the Week awards for Tuesday, May 3, include (pictured from left and top): Taylor Garcia from Washington and Lee women's tennis, Reid Long from Bridgewater baseball, Avery Neaves from Lynchburg baseball, Canon Secord from BC men's tennis, Allie Schwab from W&L women's lacrosse, and Chris Darminio from Lynchburg men's lacrosse.
Week 34 marks the second to last weekly report of the ODAC season as sports close or prepare to end their regular season campaigns. Those earning ODAC Athlete of the Week awards for Monday, April 25, include (pictured from left and top): Gracie Ellis from Randolph-Macon softball, Conner Butler from Roanoke baseball, Drew Ramos from R-MC baseball, Shanan Hester from RC softball, Taylor Witherell and Julia Thomson from Washington and Lee men's and women's lacrosse, Will Kistler from W&L men's tennis, and Christina Harris from Lynchburg women's tennis.
ODAC standings are tighter than ever through week 33 of the season as spring postseason tournaments approach. Those earning ODAC Athlete of the Week awards for Monday, April 18, include (pictured from left and top): Emma Stiffler from Shenandoah women's lacrosse, Garrett Jackson from Lynchburg baseball, Jack Averna from Randolph-Macon men's lacrosse, Natalia Garcia Molina from SU women's tennis, Mitchell Perry from Virginia Wesleyan men's tennis, Emily Charlton from LYN softball, Reilly Owen from SU baseball, and Sarah Wimer from Bridgewater softball.
Perfect games, personal bests, and team and individual milestones dot profiles for ODAC athletes and teams from week 32 of the 2021-22 season. Those earning ODAC Athlete of the Week awards for Monday, April 11, include (pictured from left and top): Luca Docking from Roanoke men's lacrosse, Ruth de Souza from Sweet Briar women's tennis, Libby Bowman from RC women's lacrosse, Avery Neaves from Lynchburg baseball, Rilee Baughan from Randolph-Macon softball, Nick Mattfield from LYN baseball, Gracie Ellis from R-MC softball, and Gene Perle-Jones from Shenandoah men's tennis.
Week 31 moved us into the final month of the year as conference teams and student-athletes start the stretch run towards the close of the spring season and the final postseason events of the year. Those earning ODAC Athlete of the Week awards for Monday, April 4, include (pictured from left and top): Gracie Ellis from Randolph-Macon softball, Thomas Haller from Washington and Lee baseball, Myles Webb from R-MC baseball, Anna Grace Terrell from Lynchburg softball, Luke Kammerman from Roanoke men's lacrosse, Janie Stillwell from W&L women's lacrosse, Levi Vigdorchik from LYN men's tennis, and Ryan Roeber from Bridgewater women's tennis.
Long Claims All-America Status in NCAA Singles Tournament Play
May 19, 2023Washington and Lee first-year Lauren Long (Carmel, Ind. / Park Tudor) opened her 2023 NCAA Singles Tournament run with a straight-set win over Katherine Wurster of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps on Friday morning, before bowing out in the second round in the afternoon.
