WENHAM, Mass. – The Roger Williams University Women’s Tennis team saw its extraordinary 12-match winning streak come to an end Saturday, falling 5-2 to Conference of New England (CNE) rival Gordon College. The loss marks the Hawks’ first of the season, halting a dominant run and shifting the landscape of the CNE standings as the regular season nears its close.
The setback doesn’t diminish a stellar season for Roger Williams (12-1, 7-1 CNE), but it underscores the competitive balance within the conference and adds urgency to their remaining matches. The Hawks will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for a Wednesday road contest against Nichols and a Saturday home match against suffolk, both crucial for solidifying their position heading into potential postseason play.
Gordon seized the early advantage by winning two of three doubles matches. Lucille Belval and Makayla Otey defeated Valentina Abarca and Meghan Bache 6-1 at No. 1 doubles. Izzy pecora and ella Mancini responded with a 6-2 victory at the No. 2 position, but Gabrielle Petroniro and Adriana Palmieri were edged 7-5 at no. 3, giving Gordon a 2-1 lead entering singles play.
Serena Ross opened the singles competition with a 6-3, 6-1 win at No. 3, and Palmieri followed with a 6-2, 6-1 victory at No. 5, briefly regaining the lead for Roger Williams at 2-1. However,Gordon quickly countered. Gianna Hallam secured a 6-3, 6-1 win over Petroniro at No.6, tying the score.
The Fighting Scots than clinched the match with consecutive wins at No. 2 and No. 1 singles.Chloe Hanley defeated Pecora 6-3, 6-4, and Otey battled to a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 victory over Bache. Lucy Belval completed the scoring with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win against Abarca at the No. 1 singles spot.
Roger Williams will travel to face Nichols on Wednesday, oct.22,at 4:00 pm and will host Suffolk on Saturday,oct.25, at 12:00 pm to conclude the regular season.
