Women's tennis falls to #3 California in First Round of NCAA Championship

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's tennis team fell to #3 California, 4-0, in the First Round of the NCAA Championship, Friday afternoon in Berkeley, Calif.

The Bulldogs (9-8) magical season came to an end on Friday in their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament as a Division I program, falling at the hands of the perennial nation contending Golden Bears (21-3).

In doubles action, the duo of Lynn Chi and Karla Popovic took down sophomore Briana Leonard (Westford, Mass.) and Linnea Sjoberg (Stockholms län, Sweeden), 8-1, to take the early edge. Cal eventually wrapped up the doubles point when nationally ranked tandem Maegan Manasse and Denise Starr defeated sophomores Ryan Brown (Austin, Texas) and Marion Bouillin (San Diego, Calif.), 8-1.

In singles play, the Golden Bears continued to be too much to handle as they extended their edge to 2-0 with Starr's win at the No. 2 spot. Popovic picked up the win at No. 3 singles before Cecilia Estlander clinched the match with a victory at the No. 5 position.

However, Bryant did put up a fight at No. 1 singles. After dropping the first set, Brown battled to come within a single point in the second set, 5-4, vs. Klara Fabikova, but the match was suspended after Cal secured the opening round win.

The Black and Gold put the bookend on their best season as a Division I program despite the tough draw on Friday afternoon. Looking ahead to next season, the Bulldogs return five out of the six players in their lineup, and are poised to contend for yet another Northeast Conference Championship.