SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The Union College women's tennis team started its 2021-22 Liberty League schedule with an 8-1 victory over Bard College in the team's first dual match of the year on Wednesday afternoon at the Union Tennis Courts.
 
Five different players were dual winners for Union (1-0, 1-0 Liberty League) in its first conference match of the season, including four players who earned their first collegiate dual match victories.
 
First-years Gabby Gatto and Paige Tromblee earned Union's first point of the day with an 8-1 victory at second doubles, followed close behind by junior Lichuan Xiong and Kate Hirnak posting an 8-1 win in their collegiate debuts at third singles. The junior tandem of Hallie Katzman and Rayna Katzman completed the doubles sweep with an 8-2 first-doubles victory.
 
The Dutchwomen continued their strong play into singles, dropping only three combined games in their five wins. Hallie Katzman and Xiong provided the clinching points with matching 6-0, 6-0 victories over Lapis Dove at fourth singles and Josie Smith at third singles, respectively. Hirnak also did not lose a game in her straight-set win over Nicole Parides in fifth-singles action.
 
Gatto and Tromblee earned their first career dual match wins as well for the home team, as Gatto knocked off Maya Kelly, 6-1, 6-1, in a first-singles matchup and Tromblee lost just one game in a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Bella Ries at second singles.
 
Union will return to action on Saturday at the New Paltz Scramble beginning at 10 a.m.