Women's Tennis Captures Little East Tournament Title

NORTH DARTMOUTH, Mass. – The Bridgewater State University women's tennis team swept the three doubles flights and went on to defeat UMass Dartmouth, 5-0, in the Little East Conference Tournament championship match at the UMass Dartmouth Athletic Complex on Saturday afternoon.

The Bears advance to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the second time in program history and for the second time in the last four years.  Bridgewater also advanced in 2007 after winning the Little East Tournament when it was an individual flighted format.

The Bears took the lead when freshman Jenna Williamson (Ludlow, Mass.) and sophomore Lauren Hopp (Dartmouth, Mass.) posted an 8-2 triumph at number three doubles. Sophomore Julie Kraby (Wrentham, Mass.) and junior Bridget Murphy (Mattapoisett, Mass.) followed with an 8-3 win at number two.  Seniors Lauren Donnelly (Centerville, Mass.), who was named the tournament MVP, and Jessica Francis (West Barnstable, Mass.) completed the doubles sweep with an 8-5 victory over the Corsairs' number one team of senior Amy Lopes (Dartmouth, Mass.) and junior Alexa Fiorita (Reading, Mass.).

Williamson defeated freshman Elizabeth Cignoli (Springfield, Mass.) at number three singles, 6-1, 6-2, then Murphy downed Fiorita at number five singles, 6-1, 6-2, clinching the victory. In the LEC Tournament, matches are ended once a team earns five points. 

The Bears improved to 14-1 with the victory as they set the program record for wins in a season.  The previous mark of 13 was originally set in 1986 (13-1) and equaled in 1989 (13-0).  The Corsairs wrap up the 2010 season with an overall record of 12-2.

The NCAA Division III Women's Tennis Tournament does not take place until next May with tournament pairings to be announced at a later date.