Women's Tennis Dominates Saint Francis, 6-1

AMBLER, Pa. - The Saint Joseph's women's tennis team picked up its first victory of the season in impressive form Saturday evening as the Hawks topped Saint Francis 6-1 at the Upper Dublin Sports Complex on Saturday evening.

Coming off a tough loss to Richmond Friday evening, the Hawks jumped out to a 1-0 lead taking the doubles points. Aurora Davis and Alex Zachem teamed for an 8-5 victory at the top flight, while Lauren Roy and Anne Marie Devlin posted an 8-5 win at the third flight to clinch the point. Saint Joseph's Sarah Contrata and Kristina Eisenbrand were ahead 7-6 in their match at second doubles, but the match was called with the Hawks clinching the point.

The Hawks (1-1) took command of the match in the singles flights as they won the top three matches and five out of six overall. Davis earned a three-set victory over Rafaela Panizza, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 11-9 at No. 1 singles and Claire Minnoe followed with a 6-3, 6-2 win at the second flight. At No. 3 singles, Maureen Devlin posted a 6-2, 6-3 victory, while Zachem earning a 6-2, 6-2 decision over Danielle Gryckiewicz at the fifth flight. Arianne Polatnick closed out the match with a gutty three-set win against Camila Diaz, 7-6 (4), 2-6, 10-8.

"The ladies evened their record with a convincing 6-1 victory over a tough SF team," said head coach Ian Crookenden. "Solid play in doubles and equally courageous singles gave the supporters much to cheer about."

Saint Joseph's returns to action on Friday when it hosts Dayton at 7 p.m. at the Riverside Fitness Center in nearby Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.

Doubles
1. Aurora Davis / Alex Zachem (SJU) def. Rafaela Panizza / Shivani Patel (SFU) 8-5
2. Sarah Contrata / Kristina Eisenbrand (SJU) vs. Alex Sachs / Danielle Gryckiewicz (SFU) 7-6 (unfinished as doubles point was clinched)
3. Anne Marie Devlin / Lauren Roy (SJU) def. Camila Diaz / Brittini Jentz (SFU) 8-5

Singles
1. Aurora Davis (SJU) def. Rafaela Panizza (SFU) 6-7 (4), 6-4, 11-9
2. Claire Minnoe (SJU) def. Shivani Patel (SFU) 6-3, 6-2
3. Maureen Devlin (SJU) def. Alex Sachs (SFU) 6-2, 6-3
4. Brittini Jentz (SFU) def. Kelly Mulquin (SJU) 6-2, 0-6, 12-10
5. Alex Zachem (SJU) def. Danielle Gryckiewicz (SFU) 6-2, 6-2
6. Arianne Polatnick (SJU) def. Camila Diaz (SFU) 7-6 (4), 2-6, 10-8