Gibson and Reich Win ITA Doubles Championship

Cambridge, MA – Cary Gibson ’09 and Nikki Reich ’11 can now add All-American in doubles to their resumes as the two teamed up to win the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Division III New England Doubles Championship.

The day full of NESCAC opponents had a rocky start for the Ephs as Gibson took on Julia Browne of Tufts in the semifinal round of the singles bracket. The two took the match to three sets of back and forth play. In the end, Browne won en route to garnering the singles title over Leslie Hanson of MIT.

The Ephs had better luck in the double’s semifinal, beating Bowdoin Polar Bears Sarah D’Elia and Brett Davis 8-4.

In the doubles final, Gibson and Reich saw a familiar face on the other side of the net – Browne of Tufts partnered with teammate Meghan McCooey. Browne had eliminated both Eph players in the singles draw. However, this was their turn to win. Characteristic of their play with Browne, it was a close affair. With no result after the end of regulation, a tiebreaker determined the winner. Williams prevailed 7-2.

“Cary and Nikki played really tough today,” said Coach Alison Swain. “Their win shows the strength of our entire doubles lineup, and it’s always exciting to come home and champions.”

The Ephs will have a chance to show off their doubles lineup at the Middlebury Doubles Invitational hosted by Middlebury College this upcoming weekend. 

WILLIAMS RESULTS - SINGLES   
Semifinal
Julia Browne (Tufts) def. Cary Gibson (W)                                                5-7, 6-3, 6-4


WILLIAMS RESULTS - DOUBLES    
Semifinal
Nikki Reich/Cary Gibson (W) def. Sarah D'Elia/Brett Davis (Bowdoin)          8-4

Final
Nikki Reich/Cary Gibson (W)  def. Julia Browne/Meghan McCooey (Tufts)    9-8(4)