SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's tennis team split a pair of tight matches over the weekend, topping Sacred Heart, 4-3, on Saturday before falling at Albany, 4-3, on Sunday.
Against the Pioneers on Saturday afternoon in Providence, quick starts in both doubles and singles action helped the Bulldogs pick up their first Northeast Conference win of the year, topping Sacred Heart, 4-3.
After domination performances across the board in doubles action, freshman Ryan Brown (Austin, Texas) pushed the Bulldogs to a 2-1 lead with a convincing victory at the no. 2 spot, 6-3, 6-0, over Lindsey Post. After the Pioneers tied the score again, 2-2, senior Stephanie Smyers (Pittsburgh, Pa.) defeated Haley Dubits, 6-0, 6-2, at no. 6 singles and freshman Briana Leonard (Westford, Mass.) took down Taylor Gurda in a three-set win, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4, to push the Bulldogs to the clutch, 4-3 victory.
On Sunday at Albany, Bryant started off strong in doubles but the Great Danes eventually settled down to the point and the 1-0 lead. In singles action, the Bulldogs early leads with first set wins at one by Marion Bouillin (San Diego, Calif.), two by Brown, and three by Rosie Bird (Hamilton, New Zealand).
Bouillin and Brown took care of business in the top two spots, but Bird eventually fell in her second-straight three set epic match, 5-7, 6-1, 6-0 to Kristen Scott. Despite Smyers' default win at no. 6 singles, the Bulldogs were unable to rally behind some strong performances at the top, eventually falling, 4-3.
"Albany has some solid hitters from the top to the bottom of their lineup," said Bryant head coach Barbara Cilli. "We had our chance with the doubles point and were unable to capitalize on the strong starts, but the win over Sacred Heart will help with seeding for the NEC Championships in just over two weeks."
The Black and Gold have just two matches remaining on their regular season slate (vs. FDU on April 5, at URI on April 10) before heading to New Jersey for the NEC Championships which commence on Thursday, April 17.
For all the latest news on the Bryant University women's tennis team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.
