Richmond defeated Rhode Island 4-2 in an Atlantic 10 women’s tennis match on April 4, with four of the six singles matches going to a third set. The Spiders rallied late to secure the victory at Davidson’s home courts.
The result is significant for both teams as they continue their conference campaigns. Rhode Island took an early lead by winning the doubles point, with Nikki Fernando and Kajsa Helgesen winning at No. 1 doubles and Sophie Herrman and Ava Grnja securing a win at No. 3 doubles.
Fernando extended Rhode Island’s lead by defeating Elizabeth Novak in straight sets at No. 2 singles. Richmond responded with Beatriz Guerra beating Miruna Scarlat in straight sets at No. 6 singles, narrowing the gap to make it a close contest.
With URI ahead, Richmond managed comebacks in several singles matches. The most competitive match was between Richmond’s Lee and URI’s Herrman at No. 3 singles, which went three sets before Lucy Webber clinched the win for Richmond with a final set score of 6-4.
“It was a tough loss today,” Rhode Island head coach Jonas Brobeck said. “We won the doubles point and got on top of them in singles, but we could not get over the finish line at some spots. Give credit to Richmond for clawing their way back. We need to bounce back quickly and have a great week at home with Senior Day on Thursday and George Washington on Saturday.”
Rhode Island will next host Bryant University on Thursday, April 9, where seniors Nikki Fernando, Sophie Herrman, and Ava Grnja will be recognized during Senior Day.
