Bulldogs sweep their way to first-ever NEC Title with 4-0 win over LIU Brooklyn Sunday

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Behind a near-perfect run through the Northeast Conference Championships, the Bryant University women's tennis team captured its first-ever NEC Title, defeating top-seeded LIU Brooklyn, 4-0, Sunday morning in the championship match in West Windsor, N.J..

In just their third season as a Division I postseason eligible program, the Bulldogs are NEC Champions, dropping just a single match on their run to the title.

On Sunday, the Black and Gold had the opportunity to avenge their 2014 NEC Semifinal loss to the Blackbirds, and they did just that behind an inspired effort from top to bottom. In doubles action, Bryant's tandem play continued to help them get off on the right foot, as wins at No. 2 and 3 doubles helped the two seed to a 1-0 edge.

The duo of freshman Ashanti Campfield (Stratford, Conn.) and senior Rosie Bird (Hamilton, New Zealand) took down Caroline Koenigsfeldt and Nancy Zonneveld, 8-2, followed quickly by a win in the three hole by sophomore Briana Leonard (Westford, Mass.) and Linnea Sjoberg (Stockholms län, Sweeden) over Isabella Wagener and Juweria Hussain.

In singles play, Bird capped off her near-perfect morning with a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Hussain in the six spot to up the Bulldog lead to 2-0. At No.1  singles, sophomore Ryan Brown (Austin, Texas) capped off a tremendous season with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Sanne Louwers and Sjoberg secured the 4-0 Bryant sweep with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Koenigsfeldt at No. 3 singles.

The win not only captures Bryant's first NEC Title, but it also qualifies the Bulldogs for a berth into the NCAA Championships which kick off on May 9 with first round action.