Spring Break
The Daily OrangeTennis | Bramante's win helps Syracuse complete weekend sweep
By Drew Stal
Posted: 2/27/06, 1:35 AM EST Section: Sports
"In that last game, it just kept going back and forth and (Katie) gutted it out; that's all heart and all guts," Gifford said. "Katie is all about being that kind of person. Most people say she's so small or she doesn't hit the ball hard, but she's like one of those animals that sinks its teeth in you and will not let go. She's a great team leader and it was a great match for us."
Bramante's gutsy resolve may have come from Leong, who almost single-handedly attempted to will the team to victory over Cornell. In all her four years at Syracuse, Leong has yet to experience a team victory over Cornell. Last year, Leong was pulled out of the match and sat on the sidelines, only to watch the team lose a heart-breaking match, 4-3. This year, Leong was determined to play as well as succeed.
"There are some teams that you lose to so many times and finally you say, 'You know what, I've had enough,'" Leong said. "I told the girls right before the match that I want this, and I carried it onto the court."
Leong's actions certainly spoke volumes of her fortitude to win, with her 6-2, 6-0 victory at No. 6 singles and an 8-4 doubles victory along with Bramante.
After the weekend's exhilarating play and three straight victories, the Orange has full momentum heading into Big East play. SU's toughness impressed Gifford, who is confident with where the team is at right now.
"Tennis isn't about who's the most talented," Gifford said. "It's about who has the most fight, and I think after a match like today we showed that."
Bramante's gutsy resolve may have come from Leong, who almost single-handedly attempted to will the team to victory over Cornell. In all her four years at Syracuse, Leong has yet to experience a team victory over Cornell. Last year, Leong was pulled out of the match and sat on the sidelines, only to watch the team lose a heart-breaking match, 4-3. This year, Leong was determined to play as well as succeed.
"There are some teams that you lose to so many times and finally you say, 'You know what, I've had enough,'" Leong said. "I told the girls right before the match that I want this, and I carried it onto the court."
Leong's actions certainly spoke volumes of her fortitude to win, with her 6-2, 6-0 victory at No. 6 singles and an 8-4 doubles victory along with Bramante.
After the weekend's exhilarating play and three straight victories, the Orange has full momentum heading into Big East play. SU's toughness impressed Gifford, who is confident with where the team is at right now.
"Tennis isn't about who's the most talented," Gifford said. "It's about who has the most fight, and I think after a match like today we showed that."
