Women's Tennis Captures Share of Little East Crown

SALEM, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University women's tennis team captured a share of the Little East Conference regular season title as the Bears downed host Salem State University, 6-3, on Saturday afternoon.

Both teams had one conference loss entering the match and the win gives Bridgewater State (12-1, 7-1 Little East) the second seed and a bye in the upcoming conference tournament. UMass is the top seed by virtue of their win over the Bears earlier this season.

Salem State (9-2, 6-2 Little East) finishes in third place and will host a first round match on Tuesday afternoon.

The Vikings got off to a fast start, winning two of three doubles matches to take a one point lead entering singles play. However, the Bears dominated the rest of the way winning five of six matches to earn the three-point win.

Lauren Donnelly (Centerville, Mass.) and Jessica Francis (West Barnstable, Mass.) got Bridgewater State rolling with wins at first and second singles. Donnelly defeated Alicia Poore (Stoneham, Mass. ) 6-4, 6-7, 6-1, while Francis beat Turrenne 6-4, 7-6.  Donnelly and Francis also gave the Bears their only doubles point with an 8-4 triumph at the first flight.

Also winning in singles play for the Bears were freshman Jenna Williamson (Ludlow, Mass.) at number three (6-4, 4-6, 6-4), junior Bridget Murphy (Mattapoisett, Mass.) at the fifth flight (6-2, 6-2) and freshman Alison Joseph (Dartmouth, Mass.) at the sixth spot (6-2, 6-2). 

Carly Muniz, who won 10 out of 11 matches this season, earned the only point for Salem State at fourth singles, defeating Julie Kraby (Wrentham, Mass.) 6-3, 6-1.

Lauren Turenne (Reading, Mass.) and Muniz (Gloucester, Mass.) posted an 8-4 win at second doubles , while Patty Quartararo (Lexington, Mass.) and Anna Yaskell, (Stockholm, Sweden) won 9-7 over Williamson and sophomore Lauren Hopp (Dartmouth, Mass.) to earn the victory at number three doubles to earn two points for Salem State.