Bulldogs fall to UConn in spring opener Saturday

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's tennis team fell to UConn, 6-1, in its spring opener Saturday in East Hartford, Conn.

Despite the lopsided score, the Bulldogs put together one of their best-ever showings against a very talented UConn squad.

"I am happy with the fight the Bulldogs had in them today," said Bryant head coach Barbara Cilli. "Moving forward we'll be tweaking some parts of our games to cut back on some errors and work harder on closing out points when we need them."

In doubles action, the Bulldogs were on the verge of taking the first point of the match holding a 5-4 lead in both the No. 1 and 2 spots. Senior Rosie Bird (Hamilton, New Zealand) and freshman Linnea Sjoberg (Stockholms län, Sweeden) clinched the win over Emma Alderman and Zaina Zaki at the No. 2 spot, 6-4, behind Sjoberg's big serve to knot the doubles competition 1-1. However, UConn's Srna Stosljevic and Maxene Weinberg came from behind to knock off Ryan Brown (Austin, Texas) and Marion Bouillin (San Diego, Calif.), 7-6, in the No. 1 spot to clinch the point for the Huskies.

The lone Bryant point of the match came from sophomore Briana Leonard (Westford, Mass.) who took down Zaki, 6-4, 2-6, 10-2, at the No. 4 position. Brown and Sjoberg battled in their first sets at the No 1 and 3 spots, respectively, but the Huskies had too much firepower en route to the 6-1 victory.

Bryant returns to the court on Saturday when they host Brandeis at Rally Point in a 6:30 p.m. start.