Women's College Tennis
Rider University 6, Monmouth University 1
LAWRENCEVILLE--The Rider University women's tennis team won its second match in a row, defeating in-state rival Monmouth University on Tuesday afternoon in Lawrenceville.
"I expected that we were going to win the match," said head coach Ed Torres, in his 16th season at the helm of the Broncs. "I expected more of a 4-3 score; when we play Monmouth it is usually a tight match."
For Rider (2-2), junior Marly Roche (Sussex/High Point Regional) won in straight sets at first singles (6-3, 6-4) and teamed up with senior Tricia Ashmore (Sparta) for an 8-2 win at first doubles.
"I thought we played really well together," Roche said about her doubles win with Ashmore. "Monmouth is a good team and I knew we would have to play hard to win."
"Marly is our most accomplished player," Torres said. "She is someone who has the ability to make that 'great' shot on a consistent basis, hit the corners and play with steadiness. She played today like the pros do, hitting it corner to corner. She also played strong in doubles, playing at the net and volleying well."
Freshman Michelle Caravaglio (Manalapan/Freehold) won 6-1, 6-2 at third singles with senior Danielle White (Reading, Pa./Reading) posting a 6-2, 6-0 win at fourth singles. Caravaglio and White teamed up for an 8-1 win at second doubles to clinch the point for the Broncs.
Also winning in singles play for Rider was senior Maria Eldridge (Lawrenceville/Lawrence) at fifth singles (6-2, 6-2) and sophomore Kim Leder (Sicklerville/Timber Creek) at sixth singles (6-3, 6-0).
"The key today was our steadiness," said Torres. "Not always going for the winning shot and staying within our abilities. We can't put the ball away from the back court on a consistent basis so you have to work and wait for your opponent to make a mistake. If you do that, you have a good chance of winning and we did that today."
Monmouth defeated Rider in West Long Branch 7-0 in 2010 and 4-3 in Lawrenceville in 2009. Rider defeated the Hawks in Lawrenceville 4-3 in 2008.
Both the Rider men's and women's tennis teams host Siena in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference match on Saturday at 2pm.
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