FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University Women's Tennis started the MAAC portion of the spring slate with a 4-3 victory over visiting Rider as the Stags downed the Broncs on Tuesday at the Walsh Athletic Center Outdoor Courts. Fairfield's conference opener was also the Stags' first dual match on their on-campus home courts this season.
The Stags picked up four singles wins to secure the victory, with
Maeve Cassidy starting the scoring with a 6-3, 6-1 win at No. 6.
Sarah Liu added a straight set triumph – 7-5, 6-4 – in the No. 2 spot, and
Sophia Harris outlasted her opponent at No. 3 by a 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 tally to stake Fairfield to a 3-2 advantage.
The clincher came at No. 5 with
Maria Gell overcoming a first-set setback to take the match and nab the elusive fourth team point, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-2.
Gell and
Anna Neyestani were also victorious at the top doubles flight, though Rider earned the point with wins at No. 2 and No. 3.
Today's match began the stretch of eight matches in 27 days that encompasses the MAAC regular season. The Stags are back in action on the WAC Outdoor Courts this Friday for a visit from Siena. The women are slated to begin at approximately 3 p.m. following Fairfield Men's Tennis challenging Siena at noon.
