Roger Williams tips Seahawks, 6-3

NEWPORT, R.I. - Roger Williams University women's tennis swept three doubles matches before splitting the six singles matches as the Hawks defeated Salve Regina University, 6-3, in The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) contest in Newport.

"A year ago we swept the doubles matches and then had to hang on for a 5-4 victory," said Seahawk head coach Ed Habershaw. "We did a good job transitioning into singles play today after three close defeats in doubles."

Sophomore Kristin Dono [West Boylston, Mass.] and senior Katelin Richard [West Islip, N.Y.] enjoyed a 5-0 start at third doubles before Seahawk freshmen Erin Henriksen [East Hampton, Conn.] and Leeanne Soprano [Cranston, R.I.] reeled off four straight wins. The Hawk duo stayed on top for an 8-5 victory.

"Once Erin and Leeanne got their first game, their confidence just exploded and they believed in their ability to win games," added Habershaw. "Unfortunately, we got into deep holes early at second and third doubles and ran out of time trying to climb out."

Freshman Tracy Klein [New City, N.Y.] and sophomore Amanda Wolfe [Mansfield, Mass.] raced to a 6-1 advantage at second doubles and settled for an 8-5 win against junior Valerie Leso [West Warwick, R.I.] and sophomore Nichol Stevens [Chester, Conn.].

Sophomore Caitlin Osepchuk [Ocean Grove, N.J.] and junior Leah Ribchinsky [Ivoryton, Conn.] capitalized on inconsistent Seahawk serving to take an 8-6 decision at first doubles.

Starting singles in a 3-0 hole, Salve Regina got on the board when senior captain Jessica Timpano [Narragansett, R.I.] built a 5-2 first-set lead and earned the victory when Opsechuk retired with a back injury at third singles. Richard pushed the visitors' lead to 4-1 with a strong win at fifth singles and senior Melissa Perry [Bristol, R.I.] clinched the team victory with a 6-4,6-3 against Elise Jones [Pittsfield, Mass.].

Wolfe withstood several first-set set points against in the 12th game and rolled to a 7-3 decision in the tie break against Leso. Stevens and Erin Phillips [Morristown, N.J.] remained undefeated in TCCC singles play with hard-fought victories at second and first singles, respectively. Phillips rallied for a three-set triumph.

Roger Williams (4-1; 4-0 TCCC) travels to Colby-Sawyer College on Saturday while Salve Regina (1-3; 1-2 TCCC) visits Endicott College the same day for 1 p.m. matches.