Cortland, NY – The Battle of Red Dragons of women's tennis took place yesterday afternoon on the campus of SUNY Cortland.  Playing for important seeding in the upcoming SUNYAC Championships and bragging rights, the match lived up to billing as every competition was played at a fierce and spirited pace.  Unfortunately, SUNY Oneonta came away disappointed with a 6-3 setback.
 
In the doubles competition, the tandem of Brynn Sussman (Highland Mills/Monroe-Woodbury) and Michelle Spencer (Homer/Homer) went down 4-2 early in the match but came roaring back winning six out of the next eight games to secure a win at No. 1 with an 8-6 triumph.  At No. 2 doubles, the pairing of Gochan and Denney lost its first conference match of the season.  At one point they were ahead 4-3, but could not gain any further advantage before succumbing 8-5.
 
In singles, every Oneonta player had tough matches with every contest completed in straight sets.  The highlight of the afternoon was Sussman, who continues to show her top level form, staying undefeated in conference play.  Sussman got down early in the first set before recovering and never was in any trouble thereafter controlling the tempo with good passing shots and consistent all-around play.  Emily Denney at No. 5 singles got back on the winning track with a close, straight set victory 6-4, 6-4.  Denny's match was highlighted by a strong serve and great service returns to help keep her opponent off balance and prevail in the only other singles win.
 
With two players going to the ITA Individual Championship's at William Smith on Saturday and two more players out due to injury the women will head down to the United States Tennis Center in Flushing Meadow, the site of the U.S. Open on Saturday to face Baruch at noon.  Many friends, family and alumni of the team will be in attendance providing support for the Red Dragons.
 
Singles competition
1. Brynn Sussman (Highland Mills/Monroe-Woodbury) (ONE-WT) def. J. Martinez (CORT-WT) 6-3, 6-3
2. M-Claire Kopcienski (CORT-WT) def. Kelly Gochan (Lake Grove/Sachem North) (ONE-WT) 6-2, 6-3
3. Shannon Grodotzke (CORT-WT) def. Michelle Spencer (Homer/Homer) (ONE-WT) 6-3, 6-3
4. Dilara Kumbal (CORT-WT) def. ChristineSantarsiero (ONE-WT) 7-5, 6-1
5. Emily Denney (ONE-WT) def. Natalie Groves (CORT-WT) 6-4, 6-4
6. Katie Fineman (CORT-WT) def. Samantha Butcher (Sidney/Sidney Central) (ONE-WT) 7-5, 6-2
Doubles competition
1. Brynn Sussman (Highland Mills/Monroe-Woodbury)/Michelle Spencer (Homer/Homer) (ONE-WT) def. J. Martinez/Shannon Grodotzke (CORT-WT) 8-6
2. Dilara Kumbal/Natalie Groves (CORT-WT) def. Kelly Gochan (Lake Grove/Sachem North)/Emily Denney (ONE-WT) 8-5
3. M-Claire Kopcienski/Katie Fineman (CORT-WT) def. ChristineSantarsiero/Samantha Butcher (Sidney/Sidney Central) (ONE-WT) 8-3