W. Tennis leads PC before suspension

PROVIDENCE – The Bryant University women's tennis team was close to securing a victory against Providence College, but Mother Nature had different plans, as its rescheduled dual match against the Friars was thwarted yet again by rain in the area, forcing a suspension of the match with the Bulldogs leading 3-1 in singles play on Tuesday.

Both teams had originally been slated to face off on Sept. 25, but rain on that date had pushed the match to yesterday.  With rain on the way, both teams agreed to start the match with singles play, where the Bulldogs nearly had the match clinched before the rain arrived.

The Black and Gold were led by sophomore May Vickers (Montrose, Colo.) and freshman Devlin-Ann Ammendola (Massapequa, N.Y.), who both cruised to victories in their singles matches.  Vickers took down Karen Ramirez, 6-1; 6-2 before Ammendola earned an easy 6-1; 6-1 victory over Taylor Corder.

Following those two was sophomore Marcela Brandao (Santo Andre, Brazil), who fought through a tough first set before dominating the second set in a 6-4; 6-1 win over Caitlin Foley.  That match was the last full one completed before the suspension of the remaining two singles matches.

Junior Claudia Hidalgo (Guayaquil, Ecuador) was involved in an intense first set, gutting out a 7-6 (3) win in that first frame before the rain came midway through the second set.  The Ecuadorian was ahead 3-2 in that frame and was serving.  Also in action was sophomore Stephanie Smyers (Pittsburgh, Pa.), who dropped the first set of her match but came all the way back from a 5-2 deficit to tie the second set at 5-all before the match was suspended.

Also seeing action yesterday was junior Lucy Bird (Hamilton, New Zealand).  The New Zealander was the first player to finish a match, falling to Maria Bernardez, 6-1; 6-2.

Before the match resumes next Tuesday, Oct. 11, the Bulldogs will host Northeast Conference rival Monmouth University on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 10:30 a.m. in Smithfield – marking their only home dual match in the fall season.  Fans are encouraged to show up early and give their support before heading over to the football game at 1 p.m. between Bryant and Stonehill College.

For continuing coverage of Bryant University women's tennis, check back at www.bryantbulldogs.com, and be sure to follow the Bulldogs on Twitter @BryantAthletics.