Next Match:
at Manhattanville (Final)
11/2/2024 | 12 pm
Nov. 02 (Sat) / 12 pm
at Manhattanville (Final)
History
2024 Skyline Conference Women’s Tennis Championship – Semifinal
(2) Farmingdale State 4, (3) Purchase 0
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. | In a commanding performance, the second-seeded Farmingdale State College Rams triumphed with a decisive 4-0 victory over third-seeded Purchase College during the semifinal match of the 2024 Skyline Conference Women’s Tennis Championship on a sunny Wednesday afternoon. This impressive win allows Farmingdale State College, boasting a commendable record of 11-5, to progress to the championship final scheduled for Saturday, November 2, where they will challenge the top-seeded Manhattanville University at noon. Manhattanville secured their place in the final by overcoming Yeshiva in a closely contested semifinal, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.
The Rams dominated the doubles competition, sweeping both matches against the Panthers, who have a season record of 8-6, with identical scores of 6-0. The standout pair of sophomore Natalia Furchel, hailing from Manorville, N.Y., and junior Amanda Jones from Mastic Beach, N.Y., showcased their skills by decisively defeating Purchase’s Amelia Perlmutter and Olivia Menchell. Meanwhile, the second doubles team, featuring senior Lien Collings, named Skyline Player of the Year, along with junior Gabriella Loria from Levittown, N.Y., capped off their doubles success with a shutout victory against Purchase’s Emma Arnaud and Novalie Nguyen.
Following their doubles supremacy, FSC swiftly transitioned into singles play, where they secured three consecutive straight-set victories to seal their position in the championship final. Gabriella Loria led the charge with a solid 6-3, 6-3 win at the fifth singles position over Sierra Blanco. Soon after, Natalia Furchel added to the tally with a convincing 6-2, 6-1 win at the No. 2 spot against Menchell, bringing the Rams tantalizingly close to the finish line. Ultimately, it was the junior and three-time All-Skyline selection MacKenzie Gisler from Ronkonkoma, N.Y., who wrapped up the match, achieving a satisfying 6-3, 6-2 victory in the fourth flight against Nguyen.
**Interview with Coach Sarah Johnson of Farmingdale State Women’s Tennis Team**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach Johnson! Your team has had an impressive semifinal match against Purchase College. How are you feeling about the victory?
**Coach Johnson:** Thank you for having me! I’m extremely proud of the team’s performance. It was a total team effort, and the players executed our game plan flawlessly, which led to a commanding 4-0 win.
**Interviewer:** What do you think were the keys to your team’s success in this semifinal match?
**Coach Johnson:** I believe our preparation really paid off. We focused on strong serves and effective communication during the matches. Additionally, the players’ mental toughness helped us maintain our focus and composure throughout the match.
**Interviewer:** With the victory, the team is now headed to the finals against Manhattanville. What are your expectations for that match?
**Coach Johnson:** Every match is a new challenge, and we respect Manhattanville as a formidable opponent. We’ll need to bring our A-game and stay disciplined. Our goal is to maintain the same intensity and focus we had in the semifinal.
**Interviewer:** Can you share any insights into your training leading up to the championship match?
**Coach Johnson:** Absolutely! We’ve been working on our doubles strategies and individual skills during practice, emphasizing teamwork and synergy. The girls have also been focusing on their physical conditioning to ensure they’re in peak form for the final.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message do you have for the team as they prepare for this upcoming match?
**Coach Johnson:** I want to remind them to enjoy the moment and trust in their training. This is what they’ve worked hard for, and I believe they can achieve great things on the court. Let’s bring home the championship!
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much, Coach Johnson. Best of luck in the finals!
**Coach Johnson:** Thank you! We appreciate the support!