No Caitlin Castle? No problem.

The women’s tennis team opened its 2006 season with a dominating 9–0 shutout win over Elmira College on Tuesday.

The Bombers entered this season without the services of Castle, last season’s Empire 8 player and rookie of the year. The sophomore, who finished last season with a record of 24–3 (combined singles and doubles), did not return to the team this year due to personal reasons.

Against the Soaring Eagles, though, the Blue and Gold looked like the defending Empire 8 champions they are, even without Castle.

Senior Erin Chapman powered the Bombers’ attack, recording a win at first singles (6–2, 6–2) and a win at first doubles with sophomore partner Alyssa Jaffe (8–1). Jaffe was also victorious at second doubles (6–2, 6–1). Senior Melissa Walsh (6–2, 6–4), junior Rachel Gunderson (6–0, 6–1), sophomore Natalie Jenereski (6–1, 6–1) and freshman Stephanie Racine (6–2, 6–1) were also singles winners.

The pairings of Walsh and freshman Rachel Cohen (8–2), and sophomore Amanda Korba and freshman Sarah Hollis (8–4), were victorious at second and third doubles, respectively.

With an automatic NCAA tournament bid reserved for the Empire 8 champion for the first time ever, the Bombers have increased incentive to repeat as conference winners. If the South Hill squad continues to perform as well as it did Tuesday, it will at least be in the mix at the end of the season.