BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - The SUNY Oneonta women's tennis team was defeated by Oswego in the SUNYAC Championship, 4-3. The Red Dragons made their first appearance in the finals since 2023 and looked to win their first title since 2022. Senior Haley Peck (West Point, N.Y./James I. O'Neil), junior Annika Cripe (Islip, N.Y./Islip), and sophomore Dakota Jimenez (Poughquag, NY/Arlington) earned spots on the SUNYAC All-Tournament Team. Peck and Cripe were recognized in both doubles and singles, and Jimenez was recognized in singles.
"What an incredible fall season for our program. The improvement across our entire lineup has been remarkable – transitioning from a single conference win last season to finishing 2nd overall and coming within points of a conference title," said Head Coach Brian Roser. "Our performance against Oswego today highlighted that growth, as we nearly secured the doubles point, won three singles matches, and pushed 4th singles to a deciding third set."
Peck and Cripe dominated on the No. 1 doubles court, taking a bagel from Leah Bell and Emily DeLuca. They finished the season 9-2. The win was Red Dragons only doubles win. Sophomore Kiersten Rufrano (Oneonta, NY/Oneonta) and junior Taylor Plue (Saratoga Springs, N.Y./Saratoga Springs) fell to Isabella Eason and Kate Hayes, 6-3, on the No. 2 court, bringing their season total to 7-2. On the No. 3 court, Jiminez and sophomore Ashley Glaviano (Glen Cove, NY/Glen Cove) fell short to Avery Borman and Aubrey Salati, 6-4. They finished the season 7-2.
In singles, Peck started the Red Dragons off strong, winning in two straight sets over Borman, 6-4, 6-3, on the No. 1 court, finishing 8-2 for the season. Cripe beat Bell on the No. 2 court, 6-3, 6-4, to reach 8-1. On the No. 3 and No. 4 courts, Plue and Rufrano were defeated. Plue lost in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, finishing with a 7-4 singles record. Rufrano forced a third set after dropping the first, 2-6, but ultimately lost the match, falling to 4-5 on the season.
"I want to give a special recognition to senior Haley Peck (West Point, N.Y./James I. O'Neil) for an outstanding conference career and fall season. She truly showed why she's the best player in the conference, beating every opponent in 1st singles. I can't wait to honor Haley on Senior Day this spring," Coach Roser continued.
Jiminez brought it back for the Red Dragons, winning in straight sets on the No. 5 court, 6-0, 7-5, to improve to 7-2 on the season. Freshman Reagan Knapp (/) unfortunately lost in two straight bagel sets, falling to 3-4 on the season.
Coach Roser concluded, "We look forward to continuing our development this spring against a competitive non-conference schedule before returning to Binghamton next year to contend for the championship."
The Red Dragons return to action on Sunday, February 2, for a road match at RIT.
