Bulldogs win postponed dual match vs. Hofstra, 6-1

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. – The Bryant University women's tennis concluded a postponed dual match against Hofstra Friday afternoon, as the Bulldogs bounced back from just their second loss of the season last weekend with a convincing 6-1 victory at the East Hartford Racquet Club. With the win, Bryant improves to 5-2 on the season.

The Black and Gold cruised through doubles with a clean sweep and won five out of the six singles bouts to wrap up the win.

Junior Claudia Hidalgo (Guayaquil, Ecuador) was particularly impressive over the course of the match, as the reigning Northeast Conference Player of the Year won her doubles match with partner Marcela Brandao (Santo Andre, Brazil) and avenged a loss from last season by downing Elena Ivanova (5-7; 6-3; 10-7) in a thrilling match at the No. 1 position.

Sophomore Stephanie Smyers (Pittsburgh, Pa.) and junior Lucy Bird (Hamilton, New Zealand) picked up a crucial win in the first doubles match and eventually prevailed in a7-5 tiebreaker. Hildago and Brandao earned an 8-6 win over Malissa Gilanchi and Sonia Tsay in the second doubles bout to clinch the point, and rookies Rosie Bird (Hamilton, New Zealand) and Devlin-Ann Ammendola (Massapequa, N.Y.) cruised to an 8-2 win to begin doubles play.

In singles, Bryant won the first four matches to already secure the overall victory by moving ahead, 5-0, with wins in the No. 3, No. 2, No. 4 and No. 6 spot. Brooke Sailer picked up the Pride's only win of the day at the No. 5 position before Hidalgo concluded her dramatic win to wrap up the afternoon.

The Bulldogs head back to work tomorrow evening when they battle America East foe Hartford at Rally Point Racquet Club at 6:30 p.m.

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Bryant 6, Hofstra 1

Doubles

1. Smyers and Lucy Bird def Ivanova and Sailer 9-8 (7-5)
2. Hidalgo and Brandao def Gilanchi and Tsay 8-6
3. Rosie Bird and D. Ammendola def Polizois 8-2

Order of Finish- 3, 2, 1

Singles

1. Claudia Hidalgo def Elena ivanova 5-7,6-3, 10-7
2. Devlin Ammendola def Sonia Tsay 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)
3. Marcela Brandao def Malissa Gilanchi 6-1, 6-0
4. May Vickers def Bianca Derrick 6-4, 6-3
5. Brooke Sailer (Hof) Def Steph Smyers 6-4, 6-3
6. Rosie Bird def Paige Polizois 6-0, 6-2

 Order of Finish - 3, 2, 4, 6, 5, 1

For continuing coverage of Bryant University women's tennis, check back online at www.bryantbulldogs.com; also follow the Bulldogs on Twitter @BryantAthletics.