Women's Tennis Falls to Endicott, 5-4

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University women's tennis team hosted non-conference foe Endicott College on Thursday afternoon for both team's third and final spring season match before the NCAA Tournament next month.  The visiting Gulls edged the Bears by margin of 5-4 to put an end to BSU's undefeated season.

Endicott improves to 14-3 on the season, while Bridgewater slips to 16-1.

In doubles competition, the Gulls posted the first win on the afternoon as junior Amy Heacox (Marion, Mass.) and freshman Mackenzie Rhodes (Rye, N.H.) recorded an 8-3 decision in the #1 slot.

The Bears, however, took the 2-1 lead after doubles play as senior Jackie McGuirk (Raynham, Mass.) and junior Melissa Flynn (Stoneham, Mass.) teamed up for an 8-4 victory at the second flight, while sophomore Alison Vautrin (Somerset, Mass.) and junior Rachael Eramo (Rowley, Mass.) grabbed an 8-6 triumph at number three.

To start off singles play, Endicott freshman Skyelar MacLeod (Portsmouth, R.I.) tied the match at 2-2 with a 6-1, 6-1 victory in the #6 slot.  Heacox and also won in straight sets at the first flight, 6-4, 6-2, while sophomore Savannah Deady (Andover, Mass.) won in three sets at number five , 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, to give the Gulls a 4-2 lead.

The Bears fought back with straight set wins by McGuirk at second singles, 7-5, 7-6 (7-4), and Vautrin at the third flight, 7-5, 6-2, to even the score at 4-4.

In the final pairing of the day and with the match on the line, sophomore Suzie Newman (Dighton, Mass.) battled to a three set triumph at #3 (6-2, 2-6, 6-4) to give the visitors the 5-4 victory.

Both Bridgewater State and Endicott will see action next in the upcoming NCAA Division III Tournament. Tournament pairings will be announced on May 5th.

Notes: McGuirk is now 14-1 on the season competing exclusivley at second singles....McGuirk and Flynn are 17-2 in doubles play....Vautrin improved to 10-1 in singles play with nine of those win coming in the fourth flight....Vautrin and Erama are 9-1 in doubles competition....Bridgewater and Endicott met in the first round of the 2013 NCAA Division III Tournament with Gulls coming away with a 5-0 victory.