Skyhawks Fall 5-1 in Conference Semifinals
Smithfield, R.I. - The Bryant University Women's Tennis Team (22-2, 12-0 Northeast-10 Conference) advanced to the Northeast-10 Conference Championships with a 5-1 victory over the Stonehill College Skyhawks (16-7, 9-3 Northeast-10 Conference). The Bulldogs, the top-seed of the tournament, claimed two doubles victories over fourth-seed Stonehill Friday afternoon at the Bryant Tennis Courts. Bryant will face the winner of the Saint Michael's - Southern New Hampshire semifinal this Sunday at 2 p.m. in Easton, Mass..
Bryant led 2-1 after doubles play, dropping its lone match of the day at No. 2 doubles to Lindsey Herchel (Hampden, Mass./Minnchaug) and Elise Clark (Spring Lake, N.J./Saint Rose). The Bulldogs regrouped with a strong effort in singles. Senior Michelle Burke claimed a win at No. 3 singles 6-1, 6-1 win over Sam Dircks (Stony Brook, N.Y./Ward Melville), while senior Lauren Mullen defeated Caitlin Ryan (Medfield, Mass./Medfield) at No. 6 singles, 6-4, 6-2.
Bryant's freshman Katie Francazio clinched the match with a two-set sweep of Elise Clark, 6-2, 6-1. Bulldogs will be seeking their fifth consecutive conference tournament championship.
DOUBLES
1. Czarnecki / Downing (B) def. Granato / Dircks (SC), 9-7
2. Herschel / Clark (SC) def. Burke /Couto Cuervo (B), 8-2
3. Mullen / Francazio (B) def. Broderick / Ryan (SC), 8-5
SINGLE
1. Emma Czarnecki (BU) vs. Lindsey Herschel (SC), DNF
2. Chelsea Downing (BU) vs. Danielle Granato (SC), DNF
3. Michelle Burke (BU) def. Sam Dircks (SC), 6-1, 6-1
4. Katie Francazio (BU) def. Elise Clark (SC), 6-2, 6-1
5. Valeria Couto Cuervo (BU) vs. Alli Bleakney (SC), DNF
6. Lauren Mullen (BU) def. Caitlin Ryan (SC), 6-4, 6-2
Final Score: Bryant 5, Stonehill 1
Records: Bryant 22-2, Stonehill 16-7
