QUEENS, NY – The Rider University women's tennis team fell to St. John's, 6-1, Wednesday at the USTA National Tennis Center. With the loss, the Broncs fall to 0-4, while the Red Storm won in its dual opener.  

"St. John's came out fast and we never had time to get into the match," said Rider Head Coach Tom Battaglia. "The were relentless from the start and never let us get into a groove. Credit to them. They are an excellent team."

The Red Storm played with five players, forfeiting at No. 6 singles and No. 3 doubles. However, St. John's would win all matches contested for the 6-1 victory. In doubles, Laila Fishman (Marlboro, NJ/Marlboro) and Jett Coetzee (Miami, FL/Miami Palmetto Senior) pushed Mouna Bouzgarrou and Arina Gumerova at No. 1, but fell, 6-4. The Red Storm also took No. 3 doubles by a 6-0 final score.

In singles, Fishman and Daniela Naves (Alvarado, Mexico/Club Med Academies) were the most competitive for the Broncs, taking four games apiece. Fishman fell to Bouzgarrou, 6-3, 6-1, at No. 1, while Naves fell to Alicia Gomez, 6-0, 6-4, at No. 3. St. John's won all five singles flights contested in straight sets.

The Broncs return to action Sunday, when they travel to Lehigh for a 9 a.m. first serve.