Phelps, Cantwell push Cardinals to second win

By Michael Purtell

At a collegiate tennis match, six players compete in three doubles games and six athletes compete in singles. For Plattsburgh State’s roster of eight, every meet is an opportunity to prove its team’s strength across the roster.

The Cardinals scored a 4-3 home win over the Russell Sage Gators in an out-of-conference game to go up 2-0 on the season Saturday, Sept. 7. The meet went undecided until the final game ended, with senior Meghan Phelps breaking the tie for Plattsburgh.

“It was a nail biter, that’s for sure,” head coach Kelci Henn said. “It was an anxious match, but we prevailed, and we proved that we are the better team today.”

Senior Sophia Gottschall won the Cards their first point by winning no. 4 singles 6-1, 6-0. Sophomore Jacklin Mitchell secured no. 3 singles 6-1, 7(7)-6(4).

The match looked dire for the Cardinals when the Gators took the point for doubles and won #1 and no. 2 singles, leaving junior Kristy Cantwell at no. 5 singles and Phelps at no. 6 singles in must-win situations. 

Both Cantwell and Phelps joined the team for the 2023 season, and saw limited starts throughout the season, neither appearing in conference play. Both began the 2024 season with their first conference wins against Oneonta in singles and doubles. Their position against Russell Sage was the perfect opportunity to cement their spots in the starting lineup. 

“They didn’t start out as starters, but they really proved that they’re meant to be here. They’re here to stay,” Henn said.

Cantwell took no. 5 singles first, with a win in three sets, 6-2, 5-7 and 10-7. All eyes turned towards Phelps, who had just won her first game in a tiebreaker. She was unfazed by the spectators, partly because she had no idea what the team’s score was.

“During the match I wanted to stay focused and relaxed so I could maintain my composure,” Phelps said. “It felt good to win, but I didn’t know that I was the deciding factor of the match. When they told me it made me happy for the team.”

All of Plattsburgh’s starters competed in both singles and doubles at the meet, a result of the small roster. Cantwell and Phelps were playing Gators, who were fully rested heading into the singles matches. For them to pull out wins in such circumstances “demonstrates really clearly, their grit, their energy and the endurance that they’ve really put a lot of work into,” Henn said.

Cantwell accepts the challenge of playing two matches back to back with open arms.

“If they can’t see you’re tired, then you’re not tired,” Cantwell said. “I don’t care that I just played a game, I feel new.”

The team’s ability to develop players into quality starters like Phelps and Cantwell will be crucial for finishing the season strong. Senior Andrea Bringham will be another name to look out for throughout the season. She will make an impact on the team in the same way Cantwell and Phelps have, Henn said.

The Cardinals will face the reigning SUNYAC champions, New Paltz Hawks, on their home court tomorrow at 1 p.m. New Paltz swept Plattsburgh 9-0 in their match last season.

“It’s definitely intimidating, but I think we’re really hungry this season,” Cantwell said. “I think with these two wins under our belt, we’re really excited to go play.”