Women's College Tennis
Rider University 5, Philadelphia University 2
LAWRENCEVILLE--The Rider University women's tennis team won its first match of the season with a 5-2 non-conference victory over Philadelphia U. on Thursday afternoon.
"It was good to win a match after a few losses in a row," said head coach Ed Torres. "The two stars, as expected were the number one and two singles players, Marly (Roche) and Michelle (Caravaglio)."
For Rider, senior Marly Roche Sussex/High Point Regional) won 6-2, 6-3 at first singles with sophomore Michelle Caravaglio (Manalapan/Freehold) posting a 6-0, 6-3 win at second singles.
Roche and Caravaglio combined for an 8-4 victory at first doubles.
"Marly is one of the top players we've ever had at Rider," Torres said. "She probably ranks in the top three singles players in my 18 seasons at Rider. She is also an excellent doubles player and I will miss her when she graduates. And Michelle, I expect her to take Marly's place as the number one player next season. Michelle is a terrific athlete (a left-hander) and hits the ball very hard."
Also for the Broncs, freshman Cynthia Vlad (North Hunterdon) won 7-5, 6-0 at fourth singles and sophomore Leonora Paul (Hackensack) was a three-set winner (6-1, 5-7, 10-8) at sixth singles.
Vlad and senior Alexa Manforti (Toms River/Toms River HS South) helped Rider gain the doubles point with an 8-1 win at second doubles.
"We used our experience and kept the ball in play," Torres said. "It was nice to get a win."
Rider lost at Philadelphia U. 9-0 last spring.
The Rider men travel to Wagner on Friday.
The Bronc women travel to Wagner on Saturday.
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