Rams pick up 3rd straight win against Stags

04/02/09 - The University of Rhode Island tennis team finally got back on the court this Tuesday, picking up its 12th win of the season against Fairfield University. The win snapped the Stags' nine-game winning streak, while improving the Rams' record to 12-2.After Quinnipiac University refused to play on Rhody's home court last week and Fordham University had to postpone because of its inability to travel, the Rams thought they could get back on track on their home court against Fairfield. However, Fairfield head coach Ed Paige expressed his disapproval with the Rhode Island tennis courts as well, and suggested the two teams play at another location.

"The courts are in need of a total refurbishment," head coach Sandy Wood said. "I think there is some strong sentiment around the college that we should completely re-do the courts and fix them in a more permanent manner."

Although optimistic, Wood admitted he knew there was a likely chance of playing at an alternative location. The teams finally decided to play at North Kingstown High School.

"After not playing Quinnipiac, we looked around so that we would have a spot we knew we could play at today," Wood said. "When the Fairfield coach arrived, I gave him the choice of playing at our facility or at a backup location, and he chose the backup location."

The Rams have now been denied the ability to host a home match for two straight games and it appears that the chances of seeing another tennis match in Kingston are dwindling. Wood said that he feels his team will continue to practice on campus, but will continue to play the remaining of their home matches at North Kingstown High School.

"I think it's OK as long as the players feel that there is a permanent solution in the making," Wood said. "The fact that URI is recognizing the problem, assuming they will take care of it, the players are fine."

In the midst of all the court drama was a tennis match between two teams with a combined record of 21-3. The Rams took care of business, becoming the first team to beat the Stags since Albany University did on Jan. 30.

The Rams dominated singles play, winning all but one match. Wood said he was most impressed with the effort his team put forth in doubles matches, as the Rams won two of three.

"Doubles was very well," he said. "Our No. 2 doubles, [Pam] Emery and [Amanda] Barletta, played outstanding. They were really on fire and won comfortably 8-2. Then at No. 3 doubles, they were even until about four all and then [Christen] Cadigan and [Valerie] Chacon took over and won 8-4."

The Rams' only loss in doubles was against No. 1 where freshmen twins Kirsten and Tristany Leikem fell to the team of Paulina Rys and Kirsten Liu, 8-7 (8-6). Wood did not express any disapproval, but rather applauded the Leikem twins for their comeback effort.

"They were down 5-2, but fought their way back to seven all into a tiebreaker," he said, "and they played much better in the second half of the match."

The Leikems got their revenge in singles play, picking up a victory at No. 1 and No. 4 ,respectively. Barletta picked up her 18th victory, defeating Lauren Bonanno 6-3, 6-2. In addition, the reigning Atlantic 10 Performer of the Week, Chacon, picked up her 10th victory of the season, while reigning A-10 Rookie of the Week, Emery, improved to 15-4 overall.

"They're both outstanding doubles players," Wood said. "In many ways they anchor the second and third doubles. [Valerie] disrupts the other team because she's active and can cut off balls in the middle and Pam is probably the most accurate player we have. She can put the ball where she wants it and she tends to have a good ability to see what's going on across the net and choose the right shot. She's very smart in spite of being a freshman."

The Rams will try for three straight wins, while picking up their 13th victory overall as they travel to New York Saturday for a match-up against Albany University.