Rhody women's tennis ride winning streak

10/22/08 - Showing no signs of falter, the University of Rhode Island women's tennis team soundly defeated Monmouth last Sunday with a total score of 7-0. Despite temperatures hanging uncomfortably below 50 degrees and strong winds reaching speeds between five and 15 mph, the team proved the cold had no bite on them.

It got off to a great start during the doubles matches. Seniors Valerie Chacon and Grace Hedstrom crushed the opposition quickly with a score of 8-0.

Twin sisters Tristany and Kirstin Leikem, both freshmen, also won easily with a score of 8-1, followed quickly by sophomore Christen Cadigan and junior Amanda Barletta who secured the double's point with a victory of 8-2.

Head coach Sandy Wood could not be caught without a smile throughout the entire match, and expressed assured confidence in a victory for the Rams during the initial games.

"We've been getting better every year," said Wood, regarding the tennis team's previous lineups, "and this is the best year yet."

The team's groove did not end after the double's games, continuing through the singles matches as well. Chacon lost a single game, and won her match simultaneously with Barletta and Hedstrom, who both scored perfect 6-0, 6-0.

Tristany and Cadigan followed suit soon after, their victories ensuring a win for the Rams. Although Kirstin won her first set 6-0 without too much of a challenge, she experienced some difficulty early in her second set, but was able to regain her composure and finish the set 6-2, ending the match with a perfect score of 7-0.

Freshman Pam Emery, who shares the no. 1 spot with the Leikem twins, was out for the game because of a hurt wrist. When asked about it, she saud she would probably be ready to play for the next game.

"The next game will definitely be difficult," expressed Wood when asked if he thought the team could continue their winning streak. "[Wellesley College] lost by just one game to the number one school in the country."

The Rams will go to Wellesley College for a 3 p.m. match today.