May 2, 2008

Tufts Blanks Roger Williams 5-0 in First Round of NCAA Women's Tennis Tournament

Courtesy Williams Sports Information

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. – In a match played outdoors under gray and threatening skies with temperatures in the upper 40s Tufts downed Roger Williams 5-0 to advance to the second round.

With the win 11th-ranked Tufts improved to 12-6 on the year and Roger Williams finishes the year at 15-5.

"I thought we did a great job in doubles today going after every point," said Tufts head coach Kate Bayard. "Aggressive doubles play is a key for us going forward."

The closest doubles match came at number three where the Jumbos' Julia Browne and Edwina Stewart prevailed 8-4 over RWU's Lily Osowski and Joanne Nettlefield 8-4.

Straight sets singles victories were recorded by the Jumbos' Megan McCooey at number two and Erica Miller at number three.

Tufts will now have a chance to avenge a 7-2 loss at Wellesley on April 18th when they meet Wellesley tomorrow at noon in the second round.

"Doubles will be key in tomorrow's match," noted Bayard. "Last time we played Wellesley they swept the doubles. We were competitive at the top of the lineup in singles, but we need to be better in doubles. It will be key for us to stay focused and aggressive."

Tufts and Wellesley will meet at noon if the match is played outdoors on Saturday and at 1:30 pm if the match is played indoors.

Tufts 5, Roger Williams 0

Doubles
1 - Andrea Cenko/Mari Homma (Tufts) def. Caitlyn Leone/Leah Ribchinsky (Roger Williams) – 8-2
2 - Erica Miller/Meghan McCooey (Tufts) def. Haley McCraven/Kelsey Parente (Roger Williams) – 8-1
3 - Julia Browne/Edwina Stewart (Tufts) def. Lily Osowski/Joanne Nettlefield (Roger Williams) – 8-4

Singles
1 - Browne (Tufts) -- Leone (Roger Williams) – 6-1, 5-1 -- DNF
2 - McCooey (Tufts) def. Ribchinsky (Roger Williams) – 6-0, 6-2
3 - Miller (Tufts) def. Nettlefield (Roger Williams) – 6-0, 6-0
4 - Cenko (Tufts) -- Parente (Roger Williams) – 6-1, 0-1 -- DNF
5 - Homma (Tufts) -- McCraven (Roger Williams) – 6-1, 4-1 -- DNF
6 - Stewart (Tufts) -- Megan Harrington (Roger Williams) – 6-0, 4-1 -- DNF