Women's Tennis Returns to NE10 Play with Franklin Pierce Win, 8-1


Downey collected wins at No. 2 singles and doubles to lead the Skyhawks to their sixth-straight win.

Downey leads Skyhawks as double-winner at #2 singles and doubles

RINDGE, N.H. (September 27, 2017) – Stonehill College, ranked No. 6 in the latest Oracle/Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Division II East Regional rankings, returned to Northeast-10 Conference play with an 8-1 victory over Franklin Pierce University in women's tennis action at FPU Tennis Courts today.

Junior Nicole Downey (Groveland, Massachusetts/Pentucket Regional) led the way for Stonehill, as it remained unbeaten on the year, with victories at No. 2 singles and doubles. She teamed up with sophomore Caroline Ray (Falmouth, Maine/Falmouth) for an 8-1 doubles win, and then added a 6-1, 6-2 triumph over Franklin Pierce senior Sonia Rodrigues (Swansea, Massachusetts/Joseph Case).

Stonehill, which collected two points by default, also got a doubles win from sophomores Alexandra Vo (Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania/Nazareth Academy) and Annelise Howick (Jacksonville, Florida/Creekside) at No. 1 doubles. Senior Victoria Barbetta (Wesley Chapel, Florida/Saddlebrook Prep) edged closer to her 100th career win with a 6-0, 6-1 decision at No. 1 singles against sophomore Alana Wyatt (Worcester, Massachusetts/Doherty Memorial). Barbetta has now posted a combined record of 95-49 in singles and doubles play over her career.

Senior Emma Prinos (Foxborough, Massachusetts/Foxborough) and freshman Kate Cunningham (Somerset, England/IMG Academy) each chipped in singles wins for Stonehill. Prinos didn't drop a game in her 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 5 singles for the Skyhawks.

Sophomore Sarah Rich (Windham, Maine/Windham) collected Franklin Pierce's point when Ray retired while trailing 3-1 in the first set.

Stonehill (6-0, 4-0 NE10) returns to action on Saturday, when it hosts Saint Anselm College at Charles Watt Tennis Courts at 2 p.m. Franklin Pierce (0-7, 0-4 NE10) hosts Bentley University on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

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