Bulldogs go 1-2 over spring break

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Despite dropping its first two matches of spring break, the Bryant University women's tennis team snapped its winless start to the season, defeating Saint Joseph's, 5-2.

The Bulldogs (1-9) began action in Orlando against Navy (12-9), falling, 6-1, on Monday. Navy took the early lead after sweeping in doubles action.

"We are still in really tough part of our schedule," said head coach Barbara Cilli, following Bryant's loss to Navy. "The girls competed well, despite the winds. The first match of the season outside always comes with some small setbacks as we adjust from indoor play."

Senior Marion Bouillin (San Diego, Calif.) earned the Bulldogs' only point after topping Amanda Keller, 6-4, 6-4, at No. 1 singles. Juniors Nina Luiggi (Nottingham, England) and Stefanie Arroyo (Gurabo, Puerto Rico) competed hard at No. 3 and No. 5 singles, forcing three games against their respective competitors. Luiggi captured game two, 6-4, against Ansofi Wreder, but ultimately fell, 10-5, in the third. Arroyo captured the first, 6-2, but Kaylah Hodge fought back to earn the point at No. 5.  

"Marion had a great win at one and Arroyo and Luiggi pushed their opponents to a third set," said Cilli. 

On Tuesday, the Black and Gold faced off against Fordham, dropping the second match of the trip, 7-0. The Rams (10-1) captured the doubles point, winning all three matchups despite Boullin and senior Ryan Brown's (Austin, Texas) efforts at No. 1 doubles, where they were edged out, 6-4.

Arroyo performed well again at No. 5 singles, capturing the opening game, 6-3. Maia Balce rebounded, defeating Arroyo, 6-3, 10-3, in the final two games to capture the No. 5 singles point.

The Bulldogs wrapped up their Florida trip with their first win of the season, taking down St. Joseph's, 5-2, on Thursday.

The Bulldogs earned the 1-0 lead over the Hawks (3-6) after capturing wins at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. Junior Ashanti Campfield (Stratford, Conn.) and Luiggi teamed up to take down Isis Gill-Reid and Maureen Devlin, 6-4, at No. 2 doubles, before the Bryant duo of junior Linnea Sjoberg (Stockholm, Sweden) and Arroyo topped Katherine Devlin and Sarah Contrata, 6-3, at No. 3 doubles.

Bryant earned its remaining four points at No. 2, 3, 4 and 5 singles. Campfield topped M. Devlin for a second time, this time at No. 2 singles, 6-2, 6-4. Luiggi earned a 6-0, 6-2 decision over Gill-Reid at No. 3 singles, while Brown took down Alex Zachem in three games, 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, at No. 4 singles. Arroyo earned the Bulldogs' final point at No. 5 singles, topping K. Devlin, 6-3, 7-5.

"We played our winter schedule at a higher level and it began to wear on the girls," said Cilli. "After watching them against St. Joseph's, it was evident that our tennis was much better because of the tough competition early on."

The Bulldogs return to Smithfield to prepare for their NEC-opening match against Mount St. Mary's on Friday, March 24, at Centre Court Tennis Club at 10:30 a.m.