Women's tennis opens season with strong showing

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's tennis team looked strong in its fall season opener at the Sacred Heart Doubles Invitational, Saturday in Fairfield, Conn.

The Bulldogs finished 11-2 on a weather shortened day in Fairfield, which featured four new Bryant freshman, three new doubles pairings, and a new scoring system that features six-point games as opposed to eight.

"The focus this weekend we more about learning and improving our doubles game as we prepare for the spring season," said Bryant head coach Barbara Cilli. "The new scoring system does not allow for any mental lapses or slow starts, so this is a great way to adjust accordingly."

The No. 1 doubles pairing, comprised of sophomores Marion Bouillin (San Diego, Calif.) and Ryan Brown (Austin, Texas) finished the day with a 3-1 overall mark, with their only loss coming in their opener vs. Wesleyan. However, the duo finished the day 3-0 with wins over Sacred Heart, Hartford, and Fairfield.

Sophomore Briana Leonard (Westford, Mass.) and freshman Nina Luiggi (Nottingham, England) finished the day 2-1 at No. singles with a dominating win over Sacred Heart, 6-1, and a win over Wesleyan, 8-6.

Brand new doubles partners Ashanti Campfield (Stratford, Conn.) and Linnea Sjoberg (Stockholms län, Sweeden) were impressive in their collegiate debuts, finishing with a perfect 3-0 mark at No. 3 doubles. The duo was never really challenged on the day, with their closest match a 6-3 win over Sacred Heart.

No. 4 doubles featured another new pairing, made up of senior Devlin-Ann Ammendola (Massapequa, N.Y.) and freshman Stefanie Arroyo (Gurabo, Puerto Rico). However any unfamiliarity was not evident as the duo went on to a perfect 3-0 showing in their first competition together.

Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will compete at the Stony Brook Invitational on Friday and Saturday before returning to Smithfield for their home opener vs. Holy Cross on Saturday, Sept. 20

For all the latest news on the Bryant University women's tennis team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.