BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University women's tennis team opened the 2025 season with a 6-1 victory over visiting University of Saint Joseph on Saturday afternoon at the Rosen Memorial Tennis Courts.

The Bears (1-0) won two of the three doubles matches to jump out to an early 1-0 lead. Sophomore Emma Gibney (New Bedford, Mass.) and junior Samantha Bettencourt (Tiverton, R.I.) earned a 6-3 victory at second doubles while sophomore Sarah Pothier (Rochester, Mass.) and junior Fiona Clancy (Middleboro, Mass.) teamed up for a 6-3 triumph at the third flight.

In singles play, USJ sophomore Maddie Rossetti (Hamden, Conn.) evened the match with a 6-1, 6-0 straight set decision at the top spot. Rossetti also paired with senior Lili Garcia (Wethersfield, Conn.) for a 6-3 win at number one doubles.

Sophomore Ava Alves (Taunton, Mass.), competing in her first collegiate match, reclaimed the lead for the Bears with a 6-0, 6-1 straight victory at number six. Bettencourt followed with a 6-4, 6-3 straight set win at the fifth flight and Pothier secured the decisive fourth point with a 6-4, 6-2 straight set triumph at number four.

Sophomore Morgan Smith (Taunton, Mass.) battled back from a set down to post a 4-6, 6-0, 6-3 victory at third singles and sophomore Aislyn Kelliher (Plymouth, Mass.) capped off the match with a 7-5, 6-3 straight set triumph at the second flight.

The Bears are back in action next Thursday when they entertain Roger Williams University at 3:30.