Western New England enjoys Newport for the third time

NEWPORT, R.I. - Western New England College women's tennis kept its unbeaten in Newport streak alive as the Golden Bears defeated Salve Regina, 6-3, in The Commonwealth Coast Conference action today.

Both teams are unbeaten on the other team's home court in their brief history.

The teams split the first two doubles decisions today as Salve Regina's number one duo of junior Erin Phillips [Morristown, N.J.] and senior captain Jessica Timpano [Narragansett, R.I.] won 8-1. Golden Bear sophomore Christina Barbarisi [Feeding Hills, Mass.] and freshman Linda Mustafa [Chicopee, Mass.] evened the score with an 8-0 decision at third doubles.

Western New England captured a critical point at the middle doubles position as junior Ashley Czelatka [Southampton, N.Y.] and senior Kelly Murnane [Cheshire, Conn.] withstood an outstanding rally by Seahawk junior Valerie Leso [West Warwick, R.I.] and sophomore Nichol Stevens [Chester, Conn.], winning 9-7.

"Without a doubt the point of the day was Valerie Leso hit an overhead smash winner when facing match point down 7-6," said Seahawk head coach Ed Habershaw. "Even though Val and Nichol eventually lost in the 16th game, I was very impressed with their doubles play and their shared enthusiasm."

Phillips took care of number one singles to even the score at 2-2, but the next four decisions went in favor of the visitors who got wins from Mustafa, Murnane, Barbarisi, and Czelatka at third through sixth singles respectively. Leso and Timpano threatened in their respective first sets, both served for the set, but ran out steam in the second sets.

Stevens grabbed the final point of the day, going three sets against WNEC senior Kristen Ayers [Acton, Mass.].

"Right now our consistent strength is at the top of our lineup," Habershaw continued, "with Erin and Jessica's solid doubles after a full year playing together. With more playing time (due to a small roster), our players will collectively gain more experience and play consistenly. Several are ready to turn the corner and apply 'learning-to-win' skills to their repertoire."

Western New England (3-0; 2-0 TCCC) plays at Eastern Nazarene College on Saturday while Salve Regina (1-2; 1-1 TCCC) hosts its annual Grass Court Doubles Tournament at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.