Bulldogs fall, 4-3, to Knights in NEC Semifinals

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Facing nearly a repeat of last year's Northeast Conference Championship match, the Bryant University women's tennis team was edged out by Fairleigh Dickinson, 4-3, in this year's league semifinals.

The No. 3 Knights (9-8, 3-2 NEC) took an early lead, sweeping the doubles point at No. 1 and 3 doubles.

The No. 2 Bulldogs (6-13, 4-1) bounced back to rally three points in singles play, including Stefanie Arroyo's (Gurabo, Puerto Rico), 6-4, 6-4, win at No. 5 singles.

The Black and Gold were also successful in the No. 2 and 4 singles, as Linnea Sjoberg (Stockholm, Sweden) won, 6-3, 2-6, 6-2, while Nina Luiggi (Nottingham, England) was victorious, 6-3, 6-1.

The match came down to Ryan Brown (Austin, Texas) and Patricia Edtenoiu at No. 6 singles. Trailing after the first set, Brown won the second, 6-3, but Eftenoiu sealed the Knights' trip to the conference finals, beating Brown, 6-3, in the final set.