SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The Union College women's tennis team took the early lead in doubles play and never gave it up as the Dutchwomen clinched their first Liberty League Tournament berth in program history with a 6-3 victory over Rochester Institute of Technology on Friday afternoon at the Union Tennis Courts.
 
With the win, Union (5-6, 3-4 Liberty League) clinched no worse than sixth in the Liberty League standings, clinching a berth in the conference tournament for the first time. The team's last postseason appearance came in 2014, the last season that all conference teams made the playoffs.
 
Union's top three singles players were dual winners on the day, as junior Marilena Karadimou, sophomore Gracie Nicol and first-year Gabby Gatto all earned two wins apiece.
 
Gatto and sophomore Kate Hirnak got the day off to a good start at second doubles, defeating Abby Murray and Julienne Ho by an 8-3 score. Karadimou and Nicol ensured the home team would go into singles play with a lead thanks to an 8-5 win at first doubles over Jackie Drozd and Gabby Donahue.
 
Karadimou and Nicol added to the lead quickly in singles play, with both players posting dominating wins. Karadimou did not lose a game to Donahue at second singles in a 6-0, 6-0 victory, followed soon after by Nicol finishing off a 6-1, 6-1 win over Drozd at the top flight.
 
Gatto clinched the victory and the postseason berth for the Dutchwomen at third singles, defeating Kirsten Auble by a 6-1, 6-0 score. Junior Hallie Katzman provided the final point for the home team, making quick work of Julia Smolowitz with a 6-2, 6-0 fifth-singles win.
 
Union will close out conference play tomorrow with a 4 p.m. matchup at Vassar College.