Blackbirds capture 6-1 decision over Bulldogs in five-hour match; Arroyo scores point at No. 5 singles

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's tennis team suffered back-to-back losses over the weekend, including a well-fought battle against Northeast Conference foe LIU Brooklyn, in which the Bulldogs fell to the Blackbirds, 6-1, in the five-hour match on Saturday.

VS. LIU Brooklyn

The Bulldogs (2-12, 1-1 NEC) fell behind the Blackbirds (6-5, 2-0), 1-0, in Saturday's NEC match, after the visitors swept the doubles point.

In singles, three matches were decided in three sets, all of which went in favor of the Blackbirds. Anna Grigoryan defeated senior Marion Bouillin (San Diego, Calif.) in three sets, 6-1, 4-6, 6-1, at No. 1 singles. In similar fashion junior Ashanti Campfield (Stratford, Conn.) forced a third set after taking the second, 7-5, but fell short in the third, 6-4, at No. 2 singles. After falling 6-4 in the first set, senior Ryan Brown (Austin, Texas) captured the second set, 6-4, but Malin Leysen captured the point with a 10-3 decision in the third at No. 4 singles.

The Bulldogs scored their only point of the match at No. 5 singles, when junior Stefanie Arroyo (Gurabo, Puerto Rico) took down Ana Leonte, 7-6 (6), 6-3.

"LIU looks the strongest I've seen them in a few years," said head coach Barbara Cilli. "The match showed us where we can improve. We came out slow in doubles and suffered unforced errors against a strong team that ultimately cost us some games."

VS. Boston University

The Bulldogs were held scoreless by the Terriers (7-8, 2-0 Patriot League), 7-0, in Friday's nonconference matchup. BU captured the doubles point with 6-1 decisions at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles.

The Terriers dominated singles play, capturing all six points in two sets, respectively. Arroyo battled strong at No. 5 singles, falling to Sophia Kryloff, 6-3, 6-3. Senior Briana Leonard (Westford, Mass.) also fought hard, but dropped the No. 6 singles point to Madison Craft, 6-2, 6-2.

The Bulldogs travel next to Fairleigh Dickinson for a 10 a.m. match on Saturday, April 8.