NEWPORT, R.I. - In a match that coach Jennifer Kolins described "as one of our best ever," the Western New England College women's tennis team defeated host Salve Regina 8-1 in a The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) match Thursday (Sept. 13).

The Golden Bears' swept the doubles competition, including a pair of 8-6 decisions at the No. 1 and No.2 positions. Senior Meredith Hughes (Springfield, MA) and junior Ashley Sunderland (Commack, NY) earned an early break for a 3-0 lead at the top spot and held on for the victory.

Hughes and Sunderland also captured both their singles matches at the No. 1 and No. 3 flights, respectively, in straight sets.

Seniors Sara Peck (Monroe, CT) and Devon Masse (Southbridge, MA) each won a dramatic third set 10-point tiebreak at the No. 4 and No. 5 singles positions, respectively, as the Golden Bears captured their second consecutive league match.

Junior Nicole Freed (Jersey Shore, PA) won her both her No. 6 singles and No. 3 doubles matches.

The SRU Seahawks are now 1-2 overall and 1-1 in TCCC.