EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I.— Fairfield and Providence face off nearly every year in women's tennis. But this year's match may have been the most memorable.

Some of those in attendance today had just come from watching their Friars defeat Marquette in men's basketball. No doubt these fans were expecting the double as Providence went ahead 3-2. But it was not to be for the Friars as the Stags Anna Komer, playing at No.3, defeated her foe 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-2 to tie the match. Then moments later Fairfield sophomore Aina March, playing at No. 2, claimed the final point, winning 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-3. The other singles winner for the Stags was Sophia Prinos, who won 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 at No. 4.

Those watching should have known the match would be an instant classic after the doubles. After losing at No. 2 Fairfield went into its clutch act. Not only did Emily Lombardi and Laina Campos come back from 5-1 in the tiebreaker to win 7-6(6) at No. 3, but Diana Prinos and Komer saved a match point of their own in the breaker and prevailed 7-6(8).

"We showed a lot of grit and heart today," said head coach Jeff Bricker. "We were rolling to the doubles point when we got a little tight. But credit to one and three for playing the big points well in the breakers. It shows a lot about the team that Anna, Aina and Sophia were able to overcome losing the first set. We still have a lot of work to do but we will celebrate the special win today. And we look forward to getting Amanda back for Stony Brook."

The Stags next face Stony Brook on Saturday, Feb. 29, at 6 p.m. at the Tennis Club of Trumbull.